Galway man jailed after using slash hook to terrorise mother and daughter
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Garda Quirke told Judge O'Callaghan there was no link between Coughlan and the victims but he may have been looking for another member of the family
A 24-year-old man who used a slash hook to damage the homes of a mother and daughter in Ballinasloe must have put the 'fear of God' into the victims, a court has heard.
Judge Brian O'Callaghan said the actions of Anthony Coughlan on the night in question were "absolutely frightening" and a "quite shocking display of unlawful violence".
Coughlan, of 10 St Theresa's Park, Ballinasloe, pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Court to charges of criminal damage to two houses in Curragh Park, Ballinasloe on October 10, 2023.
He also admitted stealing alcohol from Supervalu, Ballinasloe, on the same night.
After hearing evidence and considering all aggravating and mitigating factors, Judge O'Callaghan imposed a two-year prison sentence.
Garda Sharon Quirke told the court that shortly before midnight on October 10, 2023, Gardaí responded to an incident at Curragh Park here they met the resident of one of the houses.
The woman said the accused turned up at her home and threw a can of Bulmer's at a window. The court heard he further damaged the house later, using a slash hook.
Garda Quike said the accused then went to the home of the daughter of the first victim and caused damage there.
Coughlan was arrested and cooperated with Gardaí by making substantial admissions, the court heard.
Garda Quirke said the slash hook was not recovered, but Coughlan admitted having it.
The DPP directed summary disposal of the case in the district court where jurisdiction was refused.
Garda Quirke told Judge O'Callaghan there was no link between Coughlan and the victims but he may have been looking for another member of the family.
The garda agreed with barrister, Ferdia Breathnach BL, (instructed by solicitor Martina Moran) that the incidents took place over a 20- or 30-minute period.
Mr Breathnach said he had been instructed to apologise by his client, who has not come to Garda notice since this incident.
Counsel asked the court to take into account his client's age at the time and his engagement with restorative justice and other rehabilitative programmes while in custody.
Judge O'Callaghan imposed sentence on one count of criminal damage. He set a headline sentence of five years and a post mitigation sentence of three and a half years – and said because of Coughlan's 'genuine efforts' at rehabilitation he would suspended the final 18 months.
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