Teenage boy broke windows court is told

The court heard that the teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, was accused of breaking eight windows at a children’s home.

The court heard that the windows which were broken had resulted in £840 worth of damage. The incident took place on June 22.

In addition to the charge of criminal damage, the teenager was further charged with possessing Class B drugs on July 23.

The Magistrates Court heard allegations that the teenager caused the damage because he had got angry, as he believed another resident had stolen his television set and as a result he began smashing windows, glasses and furniture in the home.

District Judge Barney McElholm was told that the teenage boy had been under the influence of so-called legal highs at the time of the offence.

He had been released on police bail and was banned from consuming non-prescribed drugs.

However, the District Judge was told when police carried out a bail check the teenager was found in possession of two bags of what police suspected was cannabis.

During police interview the boy claimed the items found were actually legal highs.

The District Judge was told that police involved in the case were opposed bail for fear of further offences being committed by the youth.

On hearing the evidence, District Judge McElholm decided to release the 15-year-old on his own bail of £100. The District Judge also banned him from consuming non-prescribed drugs.

He warned the teenager if he committed further offences he would find it very hard to stay out of custody. He will be in court again on August 18.