Man jailed after trashing hotel room in Cookstown

Appearing before East Tyrone Magistrate’s Court to be sentenced for criminal damage at Belfast House B&B was Dominic John McGoldrick, 28, from Woodview in Enniskillen.

He had been found guilty of causing damage to a television and numerous pieces of bedroom furniture on October 12.

The court heard how staff called police to the establishment on Orritor Street after finding the condition of the room.

A TV had been pulled from its mounting on the wall, the blinds had been torn from the window, and pictures in the hallway had been smashed.

In total the damage amounted to £275.

They were given a description of McGoldrick who was later found in Church Street.

He was arrested but made no comment under interview.

Mr Fintan McAleer, defending, told the court that his client had paid for the damage and had entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity.

He said that McGoldrick was now living with a Christian community in an effort to deal with his issues with drink and drugs.

He asked the court to stay its hand and allow the defendant to be “a real father” to his seven month old daughter.

“He is not before the courts because of addiction. He is here because of his violence,” District Judge John Meehan said.

He then listed a number of times after 2013 when the defendant had been given opportunities to avoid custody following offences.

“He asks if we can give him a chance? I have ever sympathy for the family around him ... but with due consideration I’ve made my decision,” he stated before handing down a two month sentence of imprisonment.

He also activated a three month suspended prison sentence which he ordered run consecutively to the first period giving a total of five months in jail.