A man torched another man’s van destroying his worktools and causing €4,563 of damage after claiming the victim’s partner evicted his brother from his home.
Cialin McMenamin appeared at Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal where he pleaded guilty to the attack.
The 31-year-old was spotted running from the scene of the scene when Gardai arrived at Glebe Hollow in Stranorlar on November 30th, 2019.
Gardai arrested McMenamin and he made full admissions to the attack.
Garda Sgt Jim Collins said a number of tools inside the Ford Transit van including a powerwasher was also destroyed.
When searched McMenamin was also found to have stolen a number of items form the van before setting it alight including an iPhone, a harmonic and a wallet.
He was charged with theft, handling stolen property and arson.
Judge Paul Kelly asked if there was history between the men and why the attack had happened.
Sgt Collins said McMenamin claimed that the van-owner Hugh Kelly’s partner had evicted his brother from his house and had tried to take revenge while he was under the influence of alcohol.
The accused man’s solicitor Patsy Gallagher said his client regretted what had happened and had kept a “low profile” since the attack.
He said that although his client was on social welfare he had tried to compensate the van-owner and had another €200 in court to be paid off the damage.
Judge Paul Kelly said the attack on a van used to earn a man’s livelihood must be taken seriously by the courts.
He added “Regard someone’s setting a van on fire that it is to do with someone’s trade, this is a very serious matter.”
He ordered a community service and probation report on McMenamin of Glebe, Stranorlar and adjourned the case for sentence until June 14th.