Man charged with damage to Garda Station awaiting latest response from mental health services

A man charged with causing significant damage to Athlone Garda Station and a number of Garda vehicles using a beer keg is expected to bring a full bail application before the court pending a response from Ballinasloe Mental Health Services regarding the support that would be available to him post-release.

Adil Muhammad (38), of no fixed abode was refused bail on January 26 of this year, with “a window left open” by Judge Bernadette Owens for what might transpire on foot of the necessary psychiatric report.

The initial report recommended “certain conditions” be put in place should Mr Muhammad be released from prison, including that he attend appointments. His former partner offered up her home in Ballinasloe as an address at which he can reside.

Solicitor Mark Cooney, for the accused, outlined at Athlone District Court today (Wednesday) that there were now two further psychiatric reports before the court. The first report had recommended Roscommon Mental Health Services for post-release support, but his address would be in a different district, the court heard.

A response is therefore being sought from Ballinasloe Mental Health Services, for which there is currently a four-week waiting list.

Mr Cooney previously told the court that his client would be “more than prepared to engage in the services should he be granted bail.”

Mr Muhammad is charged with causing damage to a white Hyundai Kona patrol car belonging to An Garda Síochána by smashing a beer keg through the back windscreen of the vehicle.

Further charges relate to the smashing of the windscreen of a Garda patrol van with the same beer keg, and damage to the front doors, granite counter top and glass window of the front office of the Garda station, again with a beer keg.

All charges relate to January 25, 2026, at Athlone Garda Station, Barrack Street, Athlone.

Judge Owens remanded the accused in custody for a further two weeks, pending a response from Ballinasloe.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme