Offender damaged video doorbell because it made him feel 'uncomfortable', court hears
An offender damaged a video doorbell outside a south Dublin home because it made him feel “uncomfortable”, prompting the residents to move out of fear, a court has heard.
David Cranny (40), of Moreen Road, Sandyford, pleaded guilty to damaging a video doorbell at a house in Sandyford on March 24, 2022, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991.
Judge Anne Watkin said she could not understand why the doorbell would have concerned the accused.
“These doorbells only show the person standing on the doorstep”, she said, adding that it was not a CCTV system covering a wider area.
The court heard that Cranny has 29 previous convictions, including those for theft, criminal damage, misuse of drugs, non-fatal assault, public order offences and road traffic matters.
Defence barrister, Andrew Forde BL, said his client believed the camera covered a larger area and made him feel uncomfortable.
Judge Watkin responded that Cranny had no business being in the garden of the home. “In fact, my belief is that he interfered with it because he was up to no good”, the judge said, adding that it may even have been his intention to intimidate the residents.
The court heard that the residents were left €350 out of pocket, towards which Cranny later paid €200 by dropping it into their letterbox.
Judge Watkin said the consequences of the incident went far beyond the damage to the device.
“They ended up having to leave their home as they were too afraid to stay there, and I wouldn’t blame them”, she said.
She added that anyone who has been burgled or targeted understands how calculated such behaviour can feel, particularly when people no longer feel safe in their own homes.
The court was told that Cranny is no longer using drugs and is currently on an employment scheme.
Judge Watkin said she wanted the outstanding balance of compensation paid, an updated probation report and urine analysis and for Cranny to attend restorative justice services before sentencing.
The case was adjourned to May 25.
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