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Bail application expected in Athlone Garda Station damage case

The damage after an incident at Athlone Garda Station
A glass window was damaged at Athlone Garda Station in late January

A man charged with causing significant damage to Athlone Garda Station and a number of garda vehicles using a beer keg is expected to bring a full bail application before the court.

Athlone District court heard today that his former partner had offered up her home in Ballinasloe as an address at which he can reside.

Adil Muhammad, 38, of no fixed abode, was refused bail on 26 January of this year.

However, there was "a window left open" by Judge Bernadette Owens for what might transpire on foot of the necessary psychiatric report.

The initial report recommended "certain conditions" be put in place should Mr Muhammad be released from prison, including that he attends appointments.

Solicitor Mark Cooney, for the accused, outlined that his client would be "more than prepared to engage in the services should he be granted bail".

However, Mr Cooney said, the consultant who carried out the initial assessment, "hasn't received word back from Roscommon Health Service regarding what services would be in place should he be released".

The damage after an incident at Athlone Garda Station
The front door of the station was also smashed

Mr Cooney also informed the court that his client’s former partner is prepared to allow him to stay at her address in Esker Hill, Ballinasloe, Co Galway where Mr Muhammad’s son and his stepfather also reside.

Sergeant Sheila Kenny, prosecuting, indicated to the court that "the State’s position still stands - there’s an objection to bail".

"I left the window open, the State are entitled to object to me opening it any further," said Judge Owens.

Mr Muhammad is charged with causing damage to a white Hyundai Kona patrol car belonging to An Garda Síochána by smashing a beer keg through the back windscreen of the vehicle.

Further charges relate to the smashing of the windscreen of a garda patrol van with the same beer keg, and damage to the front doors, granite counter top and glass window of the front office of the garda station, again with a beer keg.

All charges relate to 25 January 2026, at Athlone Garda Station, Barrack Street, Athlone.

Mr Cooney requested an opportunity to get an updated psychiatric report, with Judge Owens ordering that he shares it with the state directly when he receives it.

Sgt Kenny asked that the State be put on notice if the defence intends to make a full bail application.