Looking back... Youth in court for causing black-out in Ballyclare

He faced the charge at a children’s court in Ballyclare in April 1959.

According to a report in the Larne Times, the black-out had not been caused by a power failure but a youth who had been “taking pot shots at street lamps with an airgun whilst he had been walking along with his mates”.

He was charged with causing malicious damage to seven lights. However, the accused claimed in a statement to police that one had already been fused although he proceeded to admit the”foolishness of his ways”.

The vandalism was discovered by the electricity board.

Resident magistrate J.G Fox gave the youth an absolute discharge and a fine of 14s 7d.