South Derry man could not remember putting brick through living room window
A 35-year-old Bellaghy man who was watching football in a house in the village before going outside and putting a brick through the window, was placed on probation for 12 months at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
District Judge Conor Heaney warned the defendant if he breached the order he will consider imposing a custodial sentence.
Before the court was Paul James Mallon, of William Street, Bellaghy, who admitted a criminal damage charge relating to the incident on June 19.
Prosecuting counsel said police received a call about an “ongoing criminal damage” incident at Beatrice Villas in which a brick was put through the living room window of a house.
She said the injured party told police he had been watching football with the defendant when he got up and went outside without saying anything and put a brick through the window.
The lawyer said police saw two items on the living room floor – a brick and a flower pot. She said the incident was witnessed by neighbours and Mallon was later detained.
She added that during interview he admitted being in the house and watching football and drinking for the first time in a long while when something came over him. He told police he must have done it, but could not remember doing it.
A defence lawyer said Mallon has managed to stay away from the court since 2019, and pleaded with the court to give him a chance. He stressed that he has apologised although he simply does not remember the incident.
Judge Heaney ordered the defendant to engage with addiction services and to pay £170.11 compensation to the Housing Executive.