Bellaghy woman given Conditional Discharge for damaging furniture in 'a family dispute'
A 72-year old woman who damaged antique furniture in what was described as “a familial dispute”, has received a Conditional Discharge for 14 months at Magherafelt Magistrates Court.
Anne Seffen of Rocktown Road, Bellaghy, was also ordered to pay £250 compensation in respect of the furniture which included two chairs and a small table.
Defence counsel told District Judge Conor Heaney that matter could have been dealt with by way of a caution, but the complainant had estimated the compensation at £1,000 and the defendant believed the items were “worthless” and there was nothing to suggest they were antiques.
Prosecuting counsel said there had been a number of incidents between the parties, and the one involving the furniture happened on February 11 last year.
She said police received a report that the defendant had thrown the items of furniture during a “falling out and loss of temper”.
Defence counsel pointed out that there were three other people investigated in relation to the incident but only the defendant was prosecuted.
He explained the dispute happened following the death of the defendant's husband in March 2024.
Counsel said the furniture had been stored in her property and she asked for it to be removed.
He objected to an application by the Prosecution Service for a restraining order, claiming it would create more problems than do good.
Passing sentence, District Judge Heaney remarked it was the product of an unhappy family relationship.
He told Seffen to stay out of trouble for the next 14 months and that would be the end of the matter.
The judge declined to make a restraining order in the case.