Suspended jail term for Cookstown man who ‘harassed’ and stole a phone from his ex

A young Cookstown man who admitted to stealing an iphone from his ex amid a “pattern of oppressing her” with “compulsive and disturbing behaviour” was handed a suspended sentence, and told to stay away from her.

By The Newsroom

Published 3rd Mar 2015, 12:00 BST

Ciaran McDermott from Coolnafranky Park, Cookstown was given four months, suspended for two years at Dungannon Magistrates Court last Wednesday [Feb 25].

In an effort to protect his victim, Judge Meehan also issued a restraining order that will stay in place until February 25, 2017.

The court heard how the 21-year-old’s, “harassment” of his ex-girlfriend led to him stealing an iphone from her at Beech Valley bus depot “and running away”.

His defence said he “stole the phone off her to look at messages and look at pictures of the child” they share.

Giving the young man a second chance, Judge Meehan handed him two months for the theft and two months for his harassing behaviour - to be served consecutively - but suspended for two years.

He also told McDermott: “I am going to make a restraining order against you... you are prohibited from contacting [your ex-girlfriend].”