Man damaged cars with a screwdriver

Reuben John Glen, Avenue Road, Lurgan, appeared by way of videolink from Maghaberry prison.

For three common assaults and possession of an offensive weapon he was given four month terms while concurrent three month sentences were imposed for disorderly behaviour.

He was jailed for five months, also concurrent, on each of two charges of criminal damage.

Two suspended sentences, one of four months and one of three months, were put into operation. They are to run concurrently with each other but consecutive to the other terms, making a total of nine months in custody.

The court heard that on April 13 this year police were called to the home of the defendant’s mother.

Glen had left on his bike and he knocked a girl over. He pulled a screwdriver out when her boyfriend came to her aid.

He also damaged the windscreens of two vehicles with the screwdriver.

Glen was aggressive with police and had to be struck with a baton to effect arrest. He could not be interviewed until the following day due to his level of intoxication.

A barrister representing Glen said he had significant issues with drugs and drug taking and his offending went hand in hand.

She added that while he has been on remand in prison he had been on a methadrone programme and had passed all his tests.

The barrister said he had also been getting counselling and when released will engage with the community addictions team.

She explained that the defendant’s mother was originally an injured party but she withdrew her statement and had indicated that on his release she would take him into her home on the basis that he continued to abstain from drugs.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said Glen was a high risk to members of the public on the day in question.

He added that while in custody Glen had began to address his alcohol and drug abuse.

Judge Bates said the matters passed the custody threshold and Glen had been particularly threatening to members of the public.