Man wearing Liverpool football top and a neck brace spotted 'trying handles' of vehicles in Lisburn
A Lisburn man, who is currently on remand in Maghaberry Prison, has been handed a two month custodial sentence.
The court heard that on June 3, 2025 at 2.40pm, police were made aware of an incident of two intoxicated males placing cones across the motorway and shouting abuse at motorists.
A few minutes later a report was received that two males had been seen trying handles of vehicles in the Millbrook Road area of Lisburn.
One was described as wearing a Liverpool football top and a neck brace. He was identified as the defendant – Darren Hamilton, 30, whose address was given as Graham Street Mews in Lisburn.
There was a further report of two males trying door handles of vehicles in the Wesley Street area of the city.
Hamilton appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court on Thursday, May 21 via videolink from Maghaberry Prison charged with interference with vehicles.
A defence lawyer told the court the defendant had repeatedly said “prison is the best place for me”.
He continued: “He has 51 previous convictions and intends to use his time in custody productively.”
He told the court the defendant had applied for a job in the prison, as well as educational programmes.
"He is at a loss to explain why he was trying the handles of car doors, he didn’t need to steal anything,” the lawyer said.
"He is embracing the custodial environment.”
District Judge Rosie Watters commented: “Wouldn’t it be nice to think he will come out of prison and no longer get involved in this sort of offending.”
Ms Watters imposed a custodial sentence of two months and an offender’s levy of £25.