'Reprehensible': Tipperary man who threatened to 'torch' woman's home to avoid prison term

A father-of-seven who threatened to 'torch' a woman's home will avoid a prison sentence if he seeks help in addressing his drug addiction problems.

Lorcan O'Brien, aged 28, who has an address at Cormack Drive, Nenagh appeared in court to face charges in relation to the incident which happened at The Close, Drummin village, Nenagh on August 7, 2024. 

At the outset, solicitor John Spencer, representing Mr O'Brien, said his client wished to apologise for missing court previously as he usually has a good attendance. 

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Judge Marie Keane was told that on the day of the incident, the defendant became embroiled in an altercation with the woman's partner and that matters continued outside her home. 

It was here where Mr O'Brien threatened to damage the woman's property. "He said that he'd torch the car setting it on fire, smash all her windows and that no guard was going to stop him," said Sergeant Regina McCarthy. Mr O'Brien also threatened to set fire to the house.

The defendant entered a guilty plea and the court heard that the incident happened in the presence of one of his children.

Sgt McCarthy said the injured party was aware of the proceedings but that she had declined to provide the court with a victim impact statement in the aftermath of the incident. 

The defendant has 10 previous convictions for a variety of offences including possession of drugs, criminal damage and public order.

The 28-year-old has seven children and is currently in receipt of Disability Allowance in the region of €267 a week. He suffers from ADHD and is blind in his left eye.

Mr Spencer told the court his client has sought help to deal with persistent drug issues and that he is currently on a waiting list to enter residential treatment at Cuan Mhuire in Athy.

The solicitor said Mr O'Brien had no intention of carrying out any of the threats: "He lost his cool, he said very silly things that he is deeply ashamed of, he wants to be a more positive role model for his children."

After hearing out the case, Judge Marie Keane said what happened was "appalling and reprehensible". She sentenced Mr O'Brien to four months imprisonment, suspended the sentence on condition that he enters residential treatment.

In doing so, she issued a stern warning to the defendant. "If I see you again, you will go to prison."