A man who was caught wearing a balaclava in a suspicious manner near a takeway in Raphoe has appeared at Letterkenny District Court.
Staff at Matt’s Takeaway became worried when they spotted the man outside the takeaway at 7.35pm on February 16th last.
They called Gardai and when officers arrived they approached Leo Marley who reacted in an aggressive manner.
Marley, who was dressed all in black, clenched his fists and told them he “didn’t give a f***’ who they were.
He was arrested and he lunged at Gardai, continued to be abusive and also spat twice at Gardai.
Garda Sgt Jim Collins told the court that Marley called to see him a couple of days later when he was in a “better place” and apologised to the officers.
Marley, aged 29, also faced a number of criminal damage charges.
What of the charges related to his old family home in Ballybofey on February 17th where he used to live with his mother and father who have since passed away.
He is charged with breaking into the property and kicking in a wooden panel as well as smashing a doubled glazed panel.
Gardai also reported that on March 21st last the accused banged on the door of a house at Meeting House Street in Raphoe before trying to kick it in.
He caused €250 of damage to the door and it cost a further €200 to have it repaired, the court was told.
Solicitor for the accused, Mr Patsy Gallagher said his client wanted to apologise to the court.
He said that his old family home seems to cause his mental health a lot of grievances.
He added that when Marley delves back into his past he goes back to this property and it does him no good.
Despite mixing medication with alcohol previously, he said Mr Marley appeared to be back on the straight and narrow.
Judge Paul Kelly said the explanation was “cold comfort” for those who are suffering from the damage caused by Marley.
He added there may be a grievance with the family home but there were proper channels to deal with this and he could not simply take the law into his own hands.
Judge Kelly said he was adjourning the case until November 2nd for a community service and probation report and to hear from the victims.
Marley thanked the Judge for the opportunity.
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