Woman on criminal damage charge pleads for deferment to allow her enter rehab

A woman in her 30s accused of damaging a television during an “aggressive” incident in Mullingar last year has pleaded with a court to defer hearing the case until she comes out of rehab.

Fiona Brogan (33) of Greatdowns, The Downs, Mullingar, Westmeath appeared at Mullingar District Court charged with committing criminal damage at her charge sheet residing address on January 28, 2025.

Garda Enda Reddan gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution, saying Ms Brogan made no reply when the section 2 criminal damage charge was read out to her.

Judge Bernadette Owens granted legal aid to Ms Brogan after Sgt Orla Keenan said directions from the DPP were for summary disposal in the District Court.

She said it will be alleged the incident in question took place shortly after 3.30am, when Ms Brogan was in an “intoxicated and aggressive” state.

The alleged damage caused, Sgt Keenan added, totalled around €180.

David Nohilly, in defence, said Ms Brogan was due to enter a rehabilitation programme on April 21 for a five-week period.

He applied for an adjournment on that basis, adding that he wished to take instructions from Ms Brogan concerning the charge. Mr Nohilly suggested a date toward the end of July.

Ms Brogan was remanded on bail to a sitting of Mullingar District Court on July 23.