Fingerprints linked man to car damage

By Eimear Cotter

A DUBLIN man was linked to the criminal damage of a car after his fingerprints matched prints on the wiring, a court heard.

Craig Masterson (25) ran away when he was disturbed in the driver's seat of a car by its owner.

He caused €1,100 worth of damage to the car after he smashed a window and pulled out the cowling and radio.

Judge Hugh O'Donnell ordered a probation report and adjourned sentencing to a date in December.

The defendant, of Sweetmount Avenue in Dundrum, admitted before Dun Laoghaire District Court to criminal damage and interfering with a car at Old Kilgobbin Road in Sandyford on December 27, 2012.

Garda Mark O'Donovan said the owner of the car came across Masterson in the front seat of the 2001-registered vehicle. The defendant ran away when he saw the car owner, and when the car was inspected the driver's window was damaged as well as the cowling and the radio.

The car was examined by garda technical experts and Masterson was identified as the suspect from fingerprints on the wiring.

admitted

The damage to the car was €1,139. Masterson also admitted to threatening and abusive behaviour at the Dundrum Luas stop on July 7 last year.

In relation to that incident, Garda Mark Berigan said gardai were called to the Luas stop following reports that two women and a man were arguing with Luas security staff, who were refusing to let them travel on the tram.

Gda Berigan said Masterson was directed to leave the area but he told gardai to "f**k off". He moved a short distance away but started arguing with his girlfriend.

When Masterson was ordered to desist in his behaviour, he turned to the garda, shouting "what are you going to do, you f**king s**tebag".

Defence solicitor Ronnie Lynam said Masterson was homeless and smoking heroin at the time of these incidents. He was also drinking too much.

However, he has since re-connected with his mother, is back in the family home, and dealing with his drug problem.

Mr Lynam said Masterson is in a relationship and his girlfriend lost a baby a few weeks ago.

Mr Lynam said Masterson's lifestyle was chaotic but he is doing well and would benefit from working with the probation services.

hnews@herald.ie