Blake Wickham (23), of 20 Caislean Maol, New Ross, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, with the court hearing a pattern of behaviour linked to ongoing drug difficulties.

The facts were given that on June 20, 2022, an ex-partner of Wickham’s attended at a garda station to report threatening text messages received by her grandparents from the accused. The accused had threatened to burn down the farm and share intimate images of the woman if she did not respond to his messages to her.

Wickham was also charged with possession of drugs whereby he was searched at Whitemill Road, Wexford, on May 31, 2021, resulting in the discovery of €50 cannabis and two deal bags of blow on a separate occasion.

A further offence on March 21, 2023, related to threatening and abusive behaviour in a public place where two dogs owned by Wickham were wandering at Bunscoil Rís National School in New Ross. The principal of the school asked the accused to control the dogs or he would call the dog warden to which the accused responded “if you call the dog warden and let him take the dogs we will have a conversation and that conversation will not go well for you”.

The accused was also charged with criminal damage at his home address on 29 November, 2022, where he was kicking the door, the property had also been set on fire causing significant smoke and fire damage.

Donna Kelly BL, counsel for the accused, informed the court that Wickham has a significant difficulty with drugs and is currently part of a methadone programme where he receives 100mg of methadone daily. She told the court that Wickham is willing to engage fully with rehabilitation services, although this cannot progress further until his dosage is reduced to 50mg.

Counsel added the accused is also currently attending counselling and anger management to help with symptoms of drug withdrawal, describing him as someone who “acts first and thinks later”.

Upon seeing photos of the damage done at 20 Caislean Maol Judge Cheatle stated he would like a valuation of the damage before finalising matters.

He adjourned the case to September 21 for a probation report to be carried out, as well as a community service assessment.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.