The Sinn Fein offices in Enniskillen
A TEENAGER who stole an iPhone from the Sinn Fein offices in Enniskillen has been slapped with nine-month prison sentence suspended for three years.
Luke James Wall, who is known to have suffered drink and drug problems, stole the mobile phone from the kitchen in the office and went to the CeX shop where he attempted to sell the phone in exchange for money.
However, the shop assistant said he was aware of Wall’s past and after going through the contact list on the phone he recognised some of the numbers and then contacted the Sinn Fein office who confirmed the phone was missing.
Wall, 20, appeared before Enniskillen Magistrates Court to stand accused of theft and fraud by false representation.
The accused, who was 18 at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to both charges.
The court was told that Wall, with an address in Flush Park, Lisburn, had been previously barred from the CeX shop and after the shop assistant contacted the police on the day of the offence, Wall was arrested and taken to Enniskillen police station where he made a full admission.
It was there that police discovered he had a “very long record”.
Defence barrister Liam McStay said that while Wall had suffered a rough upbringing and had followed into drugs and alcohol he had been making attempts to turn his life around.
Mr McStay added: “After the incident he moved to Dublin and admitted himself into a treatment centre.
“It was here that he got his eyes opened and saw what his life could be like. He said he didn’t want to lead that kind of life and wanted better for himself.
“He is a singer and a guitarist and recently set up a band, he also has a girlfriend who is expecting their first child.
“It was only when he returned to the North that he realised the matter was still outstanding.
“There’s no getting away from a very bad period in his life and he accepts that.
“He hasn’t re-offended since his release.”
Deputy District Judge Nigel Broderick said that it was a different sentencing exercise given that it happened so long ago.
Judge Broderick said: “It’s a serious matter but I’m told that you haven’t re-offended.
“It is just over two years since your last offence and have already spent two months in prison for it.
“I want to make sure that you won’t re-offend and if you do the consequences will be quite drastic.
“I will impose a sentence of nine months suspended for three years.
“But I want to reinforce the consequences if you re-offend.”
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