Man accused of ‘kicking in’ woman’s door as she slept, court hears

An unemployed man has appeared in court charged with “kicking in” the back door of a house in Kinnegad while its female occupant was asleep inside.

William Harty (31) of Block F, Apartment 7, Riverview, Kilbeggan, Westmeath faced two summonses; of trespass and committing criminal damage at Carolans Cottage, Trim Road, Kinnegad, Westmeath on June 3, 2019, at Mullingar District Court.

Judge Owens noted that the alleged offences went back “quite some time” and that bench warrants had been issued in the past.

Sgt Orla Keenan said the prosecution case concerned an incident that occurred shortly after 2am, when the female occupant of the property was awoken to her back door being kicked in. The court was told an unsuccessful attempt was made to gain entry to the kitchen area, resulting in almost €500 of damage. That included damage to the back door, security bolt, frosted glass, and glass from a kitchen window.

Judge Owens accepted jurisdiction as Mr Harty’s solicitor made an application for the disclosure of all relevant state evidence connected to the case.

No plea, or hint of one, was made on Mr Harty’s behalf as Judge Owens granted the accused legal aid following confirmation by Mr Kiernan that his client relied on social welfare.

Mr Harty was remanded on bail to Mullingar District Court on July 23.