Limavady: Drug addict who sleeps overnight in car broke into his mum's home because he was 'freezing'
A drug addict who, a court was told, sleeps overnight in a car when he is under the influence of drugs, said he broke into his mother's home because he was "freezing".
Aiden McKay (27), of no fixed abode in Limavady, admitted burglary of his mum's home at Josephine Avenue in the town when he stole keys on November 12; criminal damage to a window; possessing a baton as an offensive weapon; and possession of diazepam.
Ballymena Magistrates' Court was told police were called out at 2.45am on November 12 due to an "ongoing disturbance".
The defendant had broken a window and entered the house. He then took a bunch of keys including a car key.
Police saw windows of a car were "steaming up" and the rear door was unlocked. Officers unlatched a rear seat which allowed access to the boot where the defendant was. He had a set of keys in his hand.
He told police: "I didn't do anything, I have been here the whole time".
When searched, the defendant had a baton and a diazepam tablet.
The court was told the defendant "sleeps" in the vehicle when he is under the influence of substances.
A defence barrister said it was "freezing" and the defendant entered the house.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said it would have been a "frightening experience" for the defendant's mum.
The defendant was given a six months jail term - three months for the new offences and a suspended sentence was activated.
A two-year Restraining Order was also put in place.