A 22-year-old man who, along with a co-accused, attacked a migrant centre in Killarney, Co Kerry, on New Year's Day 2024 has avoided a conviction.
Evan Murphy, of Rahanane, Kilcummin, Killarney, had earlier pleaded guilty to two charges - to criminal damage as well as trespass - at the Harmony Inn, a direct provision centre on the Muckross Road in Killarney.
He has contributed €2,000 to a migrant charity and has not come to the notice of gardaí, Killarney District Court was told today.
The Probation Service found Murphy had fully engaged with authorities and was at very low risk of re-offending. He has no previous convictions.
His solicitor Brendan Ahern said social media along with alcohol were factors on the night.
Judge David Waters remanded Murphy on continuing bail to today saying he would avoid a conviction on payment of €2,000 to the Killarney Immigrant Support Centre and that he stay out of trouble.
Murphy already paid a sum of money towards the criminal damage to the door of the Harmony Inn.
The court heard today that Murphy made the €2,000 contribution to the Killarney Immigrant Support Centre and they were very grateful, defence solicitor Brendan Ahern said.
Sergeant Stephen O’Brien confirmed Murphy had not come to the notice of gardaí and had stayed out of trouble.
Judge Waters ordered both charges be struck out.
Co-accused Eamon Murphy, aged 25 of Curragh, Aghadoe, Killarney, had also pleaded guilty to the charges. He was dealt with prior to Christmas and received a suspended sentence.
Previous court sittings heard how after consuming alcohol celebrating New Year’s Eve, the pair had begun scrolling social media when their attention was drawn to negative stories and videos of asylum seekers. They came up with a plan to scare those in the Harmony Inn.
The pair had cycled with a canister of petrol to the Harmony Inn that was housing 70 male asylum seekers shortly before 6am.
As they tried to kick in the front door, a security guard inside was alerted. The can of petrol was left at the scene. They said they had no intention of setting fire to the centre.
The damage to the door was estimated at €1,500.
