Stole alcohol from Glenavon social club

Craig Johnston, of Pollock Drive, received a four month period of detention at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Friday, for burglary at the Social Club on November 2 last.

District Judge Philip Mateer imposed one month terms on a disorderly behaviour charge, and one relating to the removal of an electronic tag which had been fitted on Johnston.

Mr Mateer ordered these to run consecutively with one another, and also with the four month term for burglary, making a total of six months to be served by Johnston, who admitted the offences.

A Public Prosecution Service lawyer, outlining the facts about the disorderly behaviour, said on September 20, police spoke to Johnston in Castle Lane, and he was abusive towards them, making offensive remarks.

The lawyer said the burglary at Glenavon FC Social Club took place on November 2, and he said that cash taken included 40 from a Children in Need box, and an unknown amount of money from a Poppy Day box.

The alcohol taken consisted of 10 bottles of Buckfast wine.

Defending solicitor Mr Conor Downey, said Johnston has been in custody since January 13, and he said the defendant has made a full admission.

Mr Downey said the burglary had not been of the most sophisticated type, and he said Johnston’s parents had been shocked when they learned of the abusive remarks he had made to police in the disorderly behaviour case.

District Judge Mateer said the offences were serious, especially in view of the fact that Johnston is just 18 years of age.