UPDATE: Man admits committing criminal damage in Kildare while wearing underwear on head and socks on his hands

A Baltinglass man admitted to causing criminal damage while wearing underwear on his head and socks on his hands in Athy.

Back in 2022, the Leinster Leader reported that, according to court documents, Niall Carton, with an address given as 32 Parkmore, Baltinglass, County Wicklow, was caught wearing the clothing items when he allegedly committed the offence at Duke Street in Athy on August 19, 2022.

At the time, he was charged with an alleged burglary offence, but on the latest court date (Thursday, May 23 last) Mr Carton was not charged (and as a result, not sentenced) over this type of offence.

On the latest court date, the 31-year-old appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan via video-link, as he is currently serving a custodial sentence for an assault offence, and is due to be released in August of 2025.

Mr Carton admitted to causing the damage, in addition to wearing the items of clothing, which constituted a possession of articles (which refers to items intended for a criminal activity) offence.

"Was it cold that day?" Judge Zaidan jokingly asked defending solicitor Tim Kennelly.

Gardaí noted that he has a co-accused who is scheduled to appear before the court next month.

Solicitor Tim Kennelly defended Mr Carton in the case.

It was heard that Mr Carton has 10 previous convictions, four of which are for criminal damage offences.

Mr Kennelly said that Mr Carton 'was highly intoxicated' at the time of the offence, and that his client has 'very little recollection' of committing the offences.

He added: "When Niall is sober, he’s a very respectful and mannerly person, but when he has a drink, he loses the run of himself."

Mr Kennelly further said that his client is now sober, and 'looks all the better for it.'

Mr Carton then said that he has refrained from using 'drink and drugs' for months now, to which Mr Kennelly added: "And he has no intention of going back into abusing alcohol and drugs)."

After consideration, Judge Zaidan imposed a six-month custodial sentence for the criminal damage offence.

This sentence will run in with Mr Carton’s present sentence.

He said he took into consideration the possession of articles offence, as well as a minor theft offence that Mr Carton committed in County Kildare, as part of his verdict.

Mr Carton thanked the judge for his verdict.