A MAN with 55 previous convictions who smashed a beer bottle off the windscreen of a rental car in Kinsale pleaded guilty to criminal damage and two public order offences.

Thomas Plunkett (44) of Cramers Court, Belgooly appeared at Bandon District Court where Sgt Eimear O’Connell said that at 3.30pm on July 5th gardaí in Kinsale were alerted to reports of a man who threw a bottle up in the air which then smashed the window of a parked rental car.

Gardaí later came across him on Pier Road where his behaviour was described as ‘erratic’ and there was a strong smell of alcohol from him.

The court heard the accused has 55 previous convictions including 11 for being drunk in a public place and three for theft.

Defence solicitor Myra Dinneen said her client, who has addiction issues, had brought €477 into court as compensation for the car hire company.

‘He is off alcohol at the moment and goes to both AA and NA meetings,’ said Ms Dinneen.

Judge Joanne Carroll sentenced him to three months in prison but suspended it for 12 months, on a bond with conditions including alcohol addiction treatment services and co-operation with the probation services.