Twenty-seven-year-old South Derry man did not remember causing damage due to his intoxication, court heard
A Magherafelt man who became very aggressive and lifted a chair and smashed it against a TV on the wall, was given a conditional discharge for 18 months on two criminal damage charges.
District Judge Conor Heaney told the defendant if he kept out of trouble that would be the end of the matter, but if he reoffended the matter can be reopened.
Twenty-seven-year-old Ciaran Cartin, of Ashgrove Park, admitted damaging the television and chair on November 2 last.
Prosecuting counsel said the charges were aggravated by hostility and his record.
He said Cartin had left his home at 4.30pm to get cigarettes and when he came home he was talking about Russians and the Ra and became increasingly aggressive.
The lawyer said he picked up a chair and smashed it against a TV on the wall and attempted to break the chair against the floor.
He said the injured party then called the police.
Counsel said Cartin made admissions that he caused the damage, but did not remember due to intoxication.
A defence lawyer explained the complainant was his mother and the defendant’s father was in the body of the court.
He said his father had called the police as he was concerned about his son’s mental health, but he did not want him to be prosecuted.
The lawyer pointed out that Cartin suffers from drug and alcohol issues and has been referred to addiction services and is engaging with them.
Counsel said the defendant had replaced the television.
He added that he was recently dealt with a Coleraine Magistrates Court for other matters where he was given a combination order.