Drunk Cork man smashed a pane of glass at pensioner's house, thinking he was home
Counts Of Of Criminal One Pleaded Two — Damage Of Guilty Accused Kian O’sullivan To And Obstruction Garda One
A 72-year-old man struggled to fend off a young man who smashed a pane of glass in his front door at about 3am. The 20-year-old intruder claimed he was so intoxicated he thought he was at his own home.
Boris Safko, of Carden, Sallybrook, Glanmire, Co Cork, had no previous convictions. And in this case, his barrister Emmet Boyle said the accused was not prosecuted on a burglary charge.
He pleaded guilty to two counts — one of criminal damage and one of obstruction of Garda Kian O’Sullivan.
Sergeant John Kelleher said the incident occurred just before 3am on August 31 at Rathcooney Road, Glanmire, Co Cork.
“Gardaí received a report of a man attempting to gain entry through the front door of a residence at Rathcooney Road, Glanmire.
“On arrival, gardaí observed Boris Safko halfway through the smashed glass panel of the front door. He was being held by the elderly homeowner. He violently resisted arrest, striking out and attempting to bite gardaí. Pepper spray was utilised to effect arrest.
“A statement was taken from the injured party, a 72-year-old man. It was outlined that while in bed he heard banging at the front door.
“On approaching the door, he observed the suspect through the glass panel of the door. The suspect was shouting to be let in.
“The injured party and suspect are unknown to each other. The suspect continued to strike the glass panel, shouting obscenities.
“Boris Safko eventually smashed the glass panel and attempted to gain entry into the home. Mr Safko managed to partially enter with his legs through the panel. He was held off from fully entering by the injured party, who struggled with him.
“The injured party sustained cuts to his feet and hands from the smashed glass. The injured party outlined he was in fear at the time.
“Mr Safko was detained at Mayfield Garda Station. He fully accepted responsibility and was contrite for his actions when interviewed. No items were stolen and no implement was used or found in the possession of Boris Safko.”
The accused has no previous convictions.
Mr Boyle said the 20 year-old was grossly intoxicated. “He went to the door believing — believe it or not — that it was his own house,” Mr Boyle said.
He said the young man was in full-time employment. “He rarely consumes alcohol. It was chastening for him to learn of the trouble and upset that he caused. It was an eye-opening experience.
Judge Mary Dorgan directed preparation of a probation report and suggested it might be suitable for a restorative justice approach through the probation service. The case was adjourned until March 27 for that purpose.