A YOUNG man has paid €300 compensation to cover the cost of cleaning graffiti he had drawn on the walls and decking of a shop in Kealkil, a court heard.

On that occasion, Flor Murphy, solicitor, appeared at Bantry District Court on behalf of Joe Byrne of Breenybeg, Kealkil, who admitted drawing on the walls and decking of a Gala store in Kealkil on January 6th 2024.

The solicitor described his client, who is now 21, as ‘a vulnerable young man.’ Mr Murphy told the court that Joe Byrne had been in psychiatric care over the Christmas in 2024, and had just been let out when he caused the damage.

Mr Murphy said his client, who has no previous convictions, was not being malicious. He said Joe Byrne could give no explanation for his actions other than to say ‘he liked to draw.’

On that occasion, Judge Brendan O’Reilly adjourned the case to allow the accused time to come up with compensation.

At a recent sitting of Bantry District Court Judge Joanne Carroll noted that the accused had not only paid the €300 compensation, but was also the subject of ‘a very positive probation report.’

She adjourned the case to December 11th. She said it would give the accused an opportunity to do 15 hours of voluntary work, keep his mental health appointments, and get addiction counselling.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.