Irish Boxer Pleads Guilty To Criminal Damage In Thurles Court

Thurles District Courthouse

Mr Michael O’Reilly, with an address at No. 20 New Line Close, Mountrath, Co. Laois; who tested positive for a banned substance prior to taking part in the 2016 Rio Olympics, appeared before Judge Elizabeth MacGrath, at Thurles District Court today.

Mr O’Reilly, who has 37 previous convictions, related to road traffic offences, had been summoned to appear, today, to answer charges relating to threatening and abusive behaviour, public intoxication and causing criminal damage. Explaining his late attendance at today’s Court appearance; Mr O’Reilly made it known to the court that same was caused by a necessary medical appointment, requiring blood tests.

Three other co-accused, namely his father Mr Michael O’Reilly (Snr.) with an address at Clonkeen, Portlaoise, Co. Laois; Mr Bernard O’Reilly, with an address at Main Road, Clonkeen, Portlaoise, Co. Laois; and Mr James O’Reilly, also of Clonkeen, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, were also in attendance in court.  The latter, Mr James O’Reilly was a juvenile at the time of the committed offences, but is now aged over 18 years old.

Garda Inspector Mr Padraic Powell informed the court that all parties were pleading guilty to the throwing of rocks, damaging a Nissan Micra the property of Mr Michael Doyle, and a Citroen Hatchback, belonging to Ms Mary Doyle. Similar criminal damage was also caused to a Bailey Regency 2001 Caravan, the property of Ms Brigid Doyle. Damage to the caravan it was agreed would be dealt with separately by the families themselves.

While the Doyle and O’Reilly families are related, it is understood that some difference of opinion occurred at an engagement party, which in turn escalated; resulting in the committing of this criminal damage. The court heard that damages of €879.63 was caused to the Nissan Micra, while impairment to the Citroen incurred some €663.98 in repairs.

Judge MacGrath directed that this case be now put back to October 24th 2017, with the condition that all four accused pay compensation in full, by that date.