Son hurled TV at cars after getting bad news

Joseph Wilson (23) claimed he started drinking heavily earlier this year after his mother told him she needed a liver transplant.

He admitted he doesn't remember the incident, and was drinking heavily and taking tablets at the time.

Judge John Lindsay sentenced Wilson to a total of 15 months in prison but suspended it for two years.

The defendant, of Nelson Street, Dublin 7, admitted before Cloverhill District Court to three counts of criminal damage.

The incident took place at Lamb Alley, Dublin 8, in the early hours of January 28 last.

Garda Sergeant Brendan Stynes said Wilson picked up a discarded TV and used it to smash a car windscreen. He also threw the TV at two other cars, causing a total of €600 worth of damage.

Wilson further admitted to charges of trespass, having €200 worth of drugs and to violent behaviour in a garda station.

The court heard the defendant has 44 previous convictions, mostly for road traffic matters.

He recently served a two-year sentence for drugs.

Defence solicitor Michael Hanahoe said there was "no rhyme or reason" to Wilson's behaviour, and he was too drunk to remember the incidents.

Mr Hanahoe said Wilson had a problem with alcohol prior to going to jail, but he had been doing well and attending AA meetings. However, the court heard he started drinking heavily earlier this year as he struggled to cope with the news that his mother needed a liver transplant.

The judge told the defendant he did not want to see him before him again.

hnews@herald.ie