DNA used to identify vandal

Paul McCartney (32) of Enniskeen, Drumgor, admitted committing criminal damage when he appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court last Friday.

The court heard that police officers came across the damaged vehicle, a Toyota Aygo, parked at Centrepoint, Lurgan, on July 6, 2008.

On closer inspection, officers discovered that the driver’s side window was broken; the petrol cap had been damaged, as well as the car’s light and indicator.

A lawyer acting on behalf of the Public Prosecution Service revealed that following forensic examination of the blood samples, police arrested McCartney.

“During interview, McCartney told officers that he tried to get into the car to fall asleep,” she said.

McCartney’s defence solicitor informed the court that his client had a “difficult background” and was “willing to accept” the verdict of District Judge Alan White.

In response, Mr White passed down a sentence of 200 hours of community service and McCartney was ordered to pay the owner of the car 200 in compensation.