11-month custodial sentence imposed on man for criminal damage incident in Naas, County Kildare

An 11-month custodial sentence was imposed on a Kildare resident at Naas District Court on Thursday, January 25 last over a criminal damage incident.

Judge Desmond Zaidan imposed the sentence on Robert Serafin, with an address listed as no fixed abode, but who is currently in custody.

Gardaí told the judge that on August 29 last, the 51-year-old caused damaged to a parked vehicle at Monread Heights in Naas.

The total cost of the damages was around €3,788.63, according to Garda Sergeant David Hanrahan.

He was also charged with being in the possession of two knives.

Mr Serafin also faced a charge of causing criminal damage to an electronic keypad at a property located on the Monread Road in Naas on January 15 last.

He caused €530 worth of damage to the keypad.

It was heard that the property belongs to an elderly person.

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Mr Serafin pleaded guilty to the January offence, but contested the State’s allegations in relation to the alleged August offence.

Defending solicitor Brian Larkin said that his client does not recall why he decided to damage the keypad, and was 'apologetic' over his actions.

Sgt Hanrahan informed Judge Zaidan that Mr Serafin has nine previous convictions, which include three for assault offences and one for possession of a knife.

Judge Zaidan said that the aggravating factors in the case 'far outweigh' the mitigating factors and imposed an 11-month sentence on Mr Serafin.

He also set appeal at €500 for Mr Serafin.

The case against Mr Serafin in relation to the alleged incident in August was adjourned by the judge to February 1 for hearing.