Burglar 'smoking cannabis since 14'

THE sentencing of a teenager who broke into a Waterside home to smoke cannabis, has been adjourned until later this month.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Feb 2010, 08:26 BST
Updated 8th Feb 2010, 20:55 BST

Michael McGinley, (19), of Strabane Old Road, pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal on May 27, last year.

Londonderry Crown Court Judge Piers Grant adjourned sentencing to await the outcome of a hearing in the city's Magistrate’s Court, where McGinley will appear for breaching a community service order.

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Judge Grant warned the teenager if he received a custodial sentence for that, any sentence he imposed would be consecutive.

Earlier the court heard that McGinley and a youth, who cannot be named because of his age, were seen at the back of the injured party's Chapel Road home and police were called.

A defence barrister told the court the teenager’s "powers of reasoning are reduced" because he had been smoking cannabis from the age of 14.

The 19-year-old was released on continuing bail and will appear at the Crown Court again on February 18.