Kicked rear of car

John Patrick Paul Smith (23), of Drumellan Gardens, Craigavon, was also convicted of obstructing a search for drugs.

Thursday's sitting of Craigavon Magistrates Court was told police had been called to Drumellan Gardens on August 31 last year to a report of criminal damage.

It was claimed the defendant had caused damage by kicking the rear of a car.

On the obstruction charge the court was told a mobile police patrol had stopped with the defendant and four others in an alleyway. Officers had wanted to search Smith for drugs but he became abusive and moved away. Smith was convicted on this charge after a contested case.

Smith's legal representative said a suspended sentence had been imposed in November of last year and he this "was by no means his first appearance in court".

The criminal damage, he said, had been committed prior to the suspended sentence being imposed.

He pointed out a charge of assault on police had been dismissed and he was found guilty of obstructing the drugs search.

The representative asked the District Judge to give Smith time to see how he responds to the challenge of the suspended sentence.

District Judge Alan White said obstructing the search was a breach of the suspended sentence but added: "Having heard it I don't think it merits sending him to prison."

On the obstruction charge he imposed a four month prison sentence suspended for three years. He also fined Smith 50.

On the criminal damage charge he handed down the eight month sentence suspended for three years and ordered Smith to pay 100 compensation.