Woman who caused almost £3,000 damage to car placed on probation for 18 months
A Magherafelt woman who caused almost £3,000 damage to a car when the occupants stopped to check if she was okay, was placed on Probation for 18 months at the local Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Twenty-three-year-old Fatima Quebe, from Castledawson Road, admitted charges of criminal damage, common assault and disorderly behaviour on February 6, 2023.
Quebe was also fined £150 with a £15 offender’s levy for unlawfully having in her possession a quantity of mephedrone on May 14 last year.
District Judge Conor Heaney also ordered her to pay £1,000 towards the cost of the damage to the car.
The court heard that police were tasked to a report of the defendant standing on the Aughrim Road, Magherafelt, insulting members of the public.
Prosecuting counsel said she was later reported walking at the Fairhill Road “screaming and shouting”, and a car stopped and a passenger got out to see if she was okay.
He said Quebe, who had keys in her hand, then caused damage to the car at which point the driver got out and she pushed her out of the way.
When police arrived she was asking for her daughter and shouted “scum” at them, and she had to be handcuffed and have limb restraints applied.
Counsel said she was taken to Antrim Area Hospital because of concerns for her mental health and then to Holywell Hospital, where she spent a month.
He said when interviewed about the matter the defendant said she did not have any memory of the circumstances. The lawyer said £2,931.20 damage was caused to the vehicle.
In relation to the drugs offence, counsel said police called at the defendant’s address and found her doing a “line” of mephedrone. She told them that it was for her own personal use.
Defence solicitor Stephen Atherton said the defendant wished to apologise for her behaviour.
Mr Atherton described the defendant as “a badly damaged young lady” who had issues with drugs.
He explained that she was engaging with the community mental health team and had found employment.
Passing sentence, Judge Heaney ordered Quebe to take part in all programmes recommended by Probation, in particular with the community mental health team.