Man became ‘Banksy’ causing graffiti damage to Letterkenny buildings

Letterkenny District Court this week heard how a young man turned into street artist ‘Banksy’ when he graffitied a number of local premises.

John Hallisey, (26) Rock View Wood Road, Ballincollig, Cork, is charged with five counts of criminal damage on April 7, 2024 at Permanent TSB, Main Street, McGettigan’s Hotel, Upper Main Street, Fonez, Main Street, Pertra, Upper Main Street, and another location at Upper Main Street.

Solicitor Mr Rory O’Brien told the court his client trained as a freelance graphic designer.

“The damage was of an artistic/graffiti nature,” he said.

The court heard the total cost to businesses for the clean up operation was €350.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court gardaí accepted pleas in relation to Permanent TSB and McGettigan’s Hotel.

“Gardaí attended McGettigan’s Hotel, where graffiti had been used on a wall. Gardaí subsequently received a call to say the building of Permanent TSB had been damaged.

“CCTV footage was examined and Hallisey was identified.”

Hallisey was fully compliant, and has no previous convictions, the court was told.

Solicitor Mr Rory O’Brien said his client has not come to adverse attention of gardaí since this incident.

“He is sorry and he has apologised. I would ask the court to avoid handing down a criminal conviction,” said Mr O’Brien.

Judge Emile Daly ordered Hallisey to compensate each property owner €70, the cost of cleaning up the graffiti. Hallisey was directed to make compensation to the value of €350 in total.