More time to prepare case against man accused of damaging council house

Gardaí have been given more time to prepare a case against a man in his 30s accused of damaging a local authority owned property in the centre of Mullingar that resulted in gardaí and emergency services being drafted in.

Leon Pinder (37) with an address at 48A Austin Friar Street, Mullingar, Westmeath appeared at last week’s sitting of Mullingar District Court charged with criminal damage at 48 Austin Friar Street, Mullingar, on October 21, 2025.

That charge alleges Mr Pinder “put a hole” in the front door of the property, contrary to section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act 1991.

Mr Pinder initially appeared at a sitting of Athlone District Court the day following the incident, when he was granted bail subject to a number of conditions. Curfew and three times weekly sign on orders had been included in that court order and the case was adjourned to last Thursday in Mullingar before Judge Bernadette Owens.

When his case was called, court presenter Sgt Sheila Kenny confirmed the state were not yet in a position to proceed with the case as directions from the DPP were outstanding. Sgt Kenny suggested a date early in the new year to allow for directions to be returned to prosecuting gardaí.

Mark Cooney, defending, raised no objection to that request and confirmed his client was “continuing to engage” with CADS (Community Alcohol and Drug Services).

Judge Owens said the court was agreeable to those terms and remanded Mr Pinder on continuing bail to Mullingar District Court on February 5, 2026.