Man just released from Limerick Prison smashed window on way home

A MAN who smashed the window of a student house in Limerick had just been released from prison hours earlier.

Limerick District Court heard that 42-year-old Alan Roche of Bob and Joan’s Walk in Shandon, County Cork, was reported acting aggressively at Dromroe Village student accommodation at University of Limerick on the night of June 30.

Sergeant Aisling O’Neill told the court that campus security made efforts to calm the accused down, to which Mr Roche responded by calling them “baldie p***ks” and other obscenities.

He then proceeded to smash the window of one of the student houses and was taken away in a patrol car.

Mr Roche, who had 55 previous convictions, was travelling back to Cork following his release when he made his way to the student campus.

This is the first conviction the accused has for criminal damage with previous convictions for assault, disorderly conduct at night, public order, and road traffic offences.

Solicitor Tom Kiely said his client has pleaded guilty at every opportunity and doesn’t remember breaking the window at the property.

Mr Kiely said that this is not his client’s usual behaviour and that Mr Roche was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when the incident occurred.

The court heard Mr Roche has two young children who he is eager to get back to.

Judge Derek McCarthy sentenced Mr Roche to one month in prison and a €200 fine.