2 days ago
Drunken teen has hazy memory of interfering with cars, court hears
Valters Gudrups (19) hoped to enlist in the Latvian army, and this type of behaviour was completely out of character for him, his lawyer told the court.
A teenager caught interfering with cars in a Dublin estate had too much to drink and his memory of his behaviour was hazy, a court has heard.
Valters Gudrups (19) hoped to enlist in the Latvian army, and this type of behaviour was completely out of character for him, his lawyer told the court.
Judge David McHugh ordered Gudrups to complete 50 hours' community service in lieu of two months in prison.
The defendant, with an address at Castlecurragh Vale in Mulhuddart, admitted interfering with two vehicles at Warrenstown Grove in Blanchardstown on January 12, 2025.
Gudrups also admitted possessing stolen property, namely an insurance certificate and a log book, at the same time and place.
Sergeant Maria Callaghan told the Blanchardstown District Court that gardaí were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am following reports that a number of males were acting suspiciously.
Sgt Callaghan said two males were seen by gardaí interfering with a silver Mercedes and a Mazda.
The men tried to flee when they saw gardaí, Sgt Callaghan told the court, but Gudrups was stopped and searched by officers.
He was found with a stolen log book from one car, and an insurance certificate from the second vehicle.
The court heard the defendant had no previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Eoghan O'Sullivan said the defendant was originally from Latvia, but had lived in Ireland since he was four years old.
Mr O'Sullivan said the defendant was not a drinker, but on the night in question he had too much to drink, and his 'memory was hazy' regarding what had happened.
Mr O'Sullivan asked the judge to be lenient, saying this behaviour was out of character for his client, who had enlisted with the Latvian army.
Gudrups was due to begin his army training in July, the solicitor said.
Judge McHugh said the defendant must first complete community service.
