Accused of picking up fuel trolley and smashing station door
A MAN has been accused of picking up a fuel trolley and smashing the front door of a petrol station after hurling abuse at staff and trying to force his way in.
Christopher Murtagh is alleged to have caused just under €2,000 worth of damage after he was told to leave by staff who believed he was acting suspiciously.
Blanchardstown District Court
Judge David McHugh adjourned the case when Mr Murtagh appeared in Blanchardstown District Court.
The accused, aged 32, with an address at O’Sullivan Avenue, Ballybough, is charged with criminal damage to the door of the service station shop at Texaco in Newcastle.
Garda Colm Mayock said he charged the accused before the court and he made no reply after caution.
The value of the damage had initially been estimated at €5,000 but the invoice for the repairs was now €1,958, he said.
The DPP consented to the case being heard in the district court subject to the judge considering the issue of jurisdiction.
Outlining the prosecution’s case, Garda Mayock said the incident was alleged to have taken place on February 22, 2020.
The accused was allegedly seen acting suspiciously outside the shop at 8.15pm and was asked by the owner to leave, Garda Mayock said.
He became aggressive and abusive to the owner and entered the shop, where he continued to behave in a threatening and abusive manner to the owner and staff, it was alleged.
Staff eventually got him to walk outside and the owner tried to close the main door. It was alleged Mr Murtagh tried to prevent him from doing so and attempted to force his way in.
On failing to get in, he picked up a fuel trolley and smashed the front door, it was alleged.
Judge McHugh accepted jurisdiction for the case to be heard in the district court.
He adjourned the case to a date in March for the accused to decide how he intends to plead. Defence solicitor Rory Staines said he had no other application.
Mr Murtagh was not required to address the court.
