Threatened to put mother's windows in

Steven Cranston, no fixed abode, appeared in court by way of videolink from Maghaberry prison.

He waived his right to a pre-sentence report and pleaded guilty to making a threat to damage a dwelling house on January 28 this year.

He was sentenced to two months in prison and ordered to pay a £25 offender’s levy.

The court heard that at 1.30pm the injured party told police that the defendant had made contact with her on a number of occasions by mobile and land line.

He wanted to come home but was told not to come home but he did anyway. He banged on the front door saying he was going to put the windows in if she didn’t let him in.

Cranston then went to the back door and banged on the windows.

When spoken to by police he admitted making telephone contact with his mother but denied making threats to damage property.

A barrister representing the defendant said that this happened ten days after Cranston had been convicted in court and released on time served.

She explained that he had been allowed to stay in the family home and there were strict instructions no one else was to be in the house and no drink or drugs.

However, she added, Cranston did not adhere to these restrictions and she asked him to leave the property.

The lawyer said that for four days he slept wherever he could and took a substantial amount of alcohol and drugs. He had very little recollection of what happened.

She added that Cranston had mental health issues and had fallen back into bad habits and his old ways. He had been in custody since this incident.

She told the court that Cranston had managed to reconcile with his mother and father and will be able to return to the family home with strict conditions.

The barrister said her client came from a very good family and they were doing everything they could to help their son.