Counterfeit currency found

Darren Mackin (35), whose address was given to the court as High Street, Gilford, was given three months in custody for possession of counterfeit currency on February 1, 2013.

He was also sentenced to one month in prison for the theft of a phone charger valued at £29.99 from the O2 store, Newry Street, Banbridge, on January 8 this year.

Both sentences are to run concurrently and were suspended for two years.

The court heard that on February 1, 2013, police went to a Banbridge address where they seized a quantity of drugs and 28 Northern Bank £20 notes which turned out to be counterfeit.

On January 8 police received a report of a theft from the O2 store in Banbridge.

A member of staff, who recognised the defendant, saw him put the item in his left hand jacket pocket.

He paid for another item but not for the charger.

Police contacted Mackin and he immediately handed over the charger which was fit for re-sale.

A barrister representing the defendant said that he did not come to police attention until the age of 26.

He explained that his client had been signed up by a London rugby club but after a breakdown in a relationship he moved back to Banbridge.

The lawyer said Mackin had spent a significant time in hospital following an accident and then had a plethora of convictions.

He was given a suspended sentence the day before last Thursday’s court for possession of a class B drug with intent to supply.

He added that his client had also been falsely accused of sexual offences which resulted in his home being petrol bombed and for a time he was homeless.

Concerning the theft of the phone charger he said Mackin was heavily medicated at the time and had paid for a phone but foolishly tried to take the charger.