Smashed car windscreen and damaged a door

He was Jonathan Gibson, Brownlow Terrace, Lurgan, and he admitted unlawful damage of a car, unlawful assault and possession of an offensive weapon, a hammer, on October 11 last year.

For these offences he was put on probation for two years and ordered to pay £266 in compensation for the damage he caused.

Gibson also admitted assault on a constable, resisting a constable and unlawful damage to a door on July 4, 2009. A concurrent two year probation order was imposed and he was ordered to pay £200 compensation.

The court heard that on October 11 last year at 5.40pm police received a report of a man with two hammers threatening to damage a vehicle at Belfast Road, Dollingstown. Gibson had been punched inside a Chinese takeaway. The defendant jumped on the bonnet of the car and smashed a windscreen. It took £266 to repair the damage.

On July 4, 2009, at 5.55pm police went to a domestic incident at an address in Pinebank, Craigavon.

They spoke to the householder who was the estranged partner of the defendant. She said Gibson had called to see his son but the son was not at home. Gibson caused damage to a panel in the front door which cost £200 to repair.

The defendant punched an officer on the back of the head and became violent. He had to be restrained.

Mr Peter Murphy, representing the defendant, said that Gibson had been flailing his arms about and accidentally hit the back of the officer’s head. He added that this was a most unfortunate incident as Gibson has lost his job, lost his relationship and his house.

He explained that he had fallen out with his girlfriend and she didn’t want him to have access to their son but now he had contact.

Mr Murphy said Gibson was remorseful and accepted he would have to pay restitution for the door.

In terms of the more serious matters, Mr Murphy added, the defendant was in an intoxicated state.

He said Gibson confronted the injured party with a hammer which was taken off him by his wife.

District Judge, Mr Peter King, said Gibson had been the victim of a serious assault in the October matters and felt he would be suitable for probation supervision.