Niall Johnston
A TEENAGER who kicked his girlfriend, urinated over a prison cell door and tried to punch a man who refused him a cigarette has been convicted at Fermanagh court.
Niall Johnston, of Windmill Heights in Enniskillen, pleaded guilty to a series of offences including two counts of assault, one of which was against his girlfriend, criminal damage and disorderly behaviour.
His family and girlfriend were in court.
The 19-year-old was handed a probation order of two years with two additional conditions that he is to engage with any programme recommended by probation and to pay compensation of £117.04 for damaging a police cell.
On Saturday past, at around 1.15pm, police were called to a house in Enniskillen after a report from a man that he had been followed home by an unknown male who tried to get into his home.
Johnston, who was sitting outside his door on the steps, was very drunk, slurring his speech and repeating himself.
The victim told police that he was walking home when the defendant, who was outside Wetherspoons pub, asked him for a cigarette and when he replied no, Johnston became aggressive and tried to punch him. He lifted his right hand to take a punch, however he stumbled as he went to swing at the man and did not make contact. He then followed the man home and tried to get inside his house.
Johnston was interviewed on Sunday but remained silent throughout the interview.
The court heard that no injuries were sustained by the victim.
A prosecutor explained that on December 14, police were on patrol in Townhall Street in Enniskillen at around 1.50am when they became aware of an upset female victim, who was later identified as Johnston’s girlfriend. The defendant was getting out of control while and loudly. He was told to move on to allow things to calm down.
A few minutes later he came back and an argument ensued while shouting and swearing. Again he was told to leave, however a minute later he returned to the shop and was shouting at the injured party and as she stepped into a doorway, he stepped towards her and kicked her to the lower leg.
He was arrested for assault and later admitted to the offences.
The court heard that he is on good terms with his girlfriend.
Then on March 22, the defendant was arrested in relation to a unrelated matter. While in the police cell he put a blanket down the toilet and blocked it before urinating against the door which went under the door and flowed out. The court heard that it required a deep clean at a cost of £117.04.
District Judge Nigel Broderick reference his “cavalier” response to a probation officer who mentioned an alcohol programme.
“He said ‘we will wait to see what the court says’ in relation to the additional programme. If he does not realise he has a drink problem he has other problems too.”
After confirming with the defendant’s girlfriend that they were back together, Judge Broderick told Johnston: “It’s not very good behaviour to be kicking a woman.”
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