An American tourist has avoided a criminal conviction after causing more than €45,000 worth of damage across several businesses in Kenmare, Co Kerry in a single day.
Rodney Menolascina, 59, of Gresham, Oregon, pleaded guilty to four counts of criminal damage at Killarney District Court relating to incidents that took place on 10 May.
The court heard that the damage was carried out across multiple premises, including Quills Woollen Market on High Street, the Lansdowne Hotel, Foley’s Craft Shop, and a vehicle, with almost €28,000 worth of damage reported at Quills alone after 28 items of clothing were damaged.
In total, around €2,500 worth of damage was caused to a car, while the remaining losses came from the other affected businesses.
Gardaí confirmed the case was prosecuted following direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions, with the matter proceeding on a guilty plea basis in the District Court.
The court was told Menolascina was not intoxicated at the time of the incidents and there was no sign of a medical episode during the spree. However, his solicitor Brendan Ahern said his client had recently come off medication and would require medical assessment upon returning to the United States.
Judge David Waters questioned the circumstances, asking how a 59-year-old married retiree with no previous convictions could end up causing such widespread damage.
The court heard there was no history of prior offending in either Ireland or the United States.
Despite the seriousness of the case, Judge Waters applied the Probation Act, meaning Menolascina avoided a criminal conviction.
He noted the early guilty plea and the fact that the defendant had already provided a cheque for more than €50,600 to fully compensate all affected parties.
Judge Waters said the offence was serious, but said it was also significant that restitution had been made in full and promptly.
Menolascina’s passport was returned following the hearing, and he is due to fly back to the United States tomorrow.
