Lisburn man told by judge to address issues that make him take cocaine
A judge has said she is considering ordering a Lisburn man charged with theft to complete a Community Service Order.
He appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court for sentencing on Thursday, September 3, 2026 after admitting the theft of a clothes horse.
The defendant, Andrew Matthew Jenkins (47), whose address was given as Dromard Drive in Lisburn, had previously pleaded guilty to the charge and District Judge Rosie Watters had deferred sentencing for six months, warning the defendant to stay out of trouble during that period of time.
The facts of the case were not opened in court, however it is understood the theft dates back to April 12, 2025.
The court was told by a defence lawyer that the defendant had issues with drugs and that he also had mental health issues.
It was revealed that shortly after the sentence was deferred, the defendant was arrested on further charges which pre-date this charge.
Accordingly, District Judge Rosie Watters stated she would adjourn sentencing until October 5, 2026 when the other case was set to be heard by the court.
Ms Watters told the defendant that she was considering imposing a Community Service Order.
"He needs real progress,” Ms Watters told the Defence.
"He can’t just lay in bed, get up now and then, take cocaine and steal stuff.
“I thought by deferring sentence he would have it in his mind that he had to make a really big effort.
"You have to address the issues that encourage you to take cocaine,” she warned the defendant.