A 23-year-old man who was part of an attack on a home in Tuam that ‘frightened the absolute daylights’ out of a family and the local community has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

Gordon Skinner was part of an armed five-man gang that took part in what was described as a “pre-planned” act of vengeance at the home of the Ward family at 19 Na hAbhainn, Ballygaddy. Road, Tuam on February 28, 2024, Galway Circuit Court heard.

The court was told Skinner threw a hammer at a window while others armed with bars smashed a car, issued threats and caused other damage.

Skinner, with a former address at Church View, Tuam and now living at Murreagh, Ballydavid, Dingle, County Kerry, came to the Circuit Court on signed pleas of guilty to criminal damage, violent disorder and the production of an item during the course of a dispute.

Detective Sergeant Tom Doyle told the court it is understood the incident was retaliation for an attack on Skinner’s car, earlier that day in Tuam town centre. The court heard the initial incident was not reported to gardai.

Sgt Doyle said Skinner had a very difficult childhood, was living in Tuam at the time and was “hanging around with a very bad crowd”. He has no previous convictions.

In a victim impact statement, Mary Ward said the attack, which occurred around 7pm “put the fear of God into my children and grandchildren”. She said that since the children have suffered anxiety, stress and the family felt isolated and paranoid

Defence barrister, Ernest White BL, told the court his client moved from Tuam to Kerry after the incident and has come off social media to avoid any involvement.

Counsel asked the court to take into account his client’s signed plea of guilty, remorse and a “positive” probation report.

Mr White said his client is a young man who made a mistake and is asking the court for leniency.

Judge Brian O’Callaghan said these were “most appalling offences” where the accused “armed himself in vengeance” to “frighten the absolute daylights” out of Ms Ward, her family and neighbours.

He said the harm done was “considerable” as people armed with weapons put the “fear of God” into young children.

He said the court accepted the accused’s “personal circumstances are tragic”, he has no previous convictions and has shown “genuine remorse”.

“It appears the Kerry air has had a positive effect on you”, the Judge added.

The aggravating factors included the “protracted” and “pre-planned” nature of an act of vengeance and serious, unlawful violence.

On the charge of violent disorder, Judge O Callaghan set a headline sentence of five and a half years and a post-mitigation sentence of three and a half years with the final twelve months suspended.

Funded by Courts Reporting Scheme.