A 38-YEAR-old man has been handed a suspended prison sentence for criminal damage to an Irvinestown business.
Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard last week that police received a report of criminal damage to Toal’s Bookmakers on Mill Street in the town on August 14th last.
The manager identified Brian Cassidy of Main Street, Townhill in Irvinestown as the suspect from a CCTV screenshot. He had been observed throwing a brick through the window, causing £72 worth of damage.
When arrested Cassidy gave a no comment interview to police and had originally contested the case before pleading guilty at last week’s hearing.
Deputy District Judge Laura Ivers was told that Cassidy had lost his way and struggled with drug addiction for a long time and been abusing Heroin and Subutex.
Defence barrister Ben Thompson stated that the matter took place during the defendant’s drug addiction and when he was at a low ebb, but Mr Thompson added that he was now taking steps to address his issues.
The judge noted that Cassidy had “a terrible record” with a series of suspended prison sentences imposed on him.
“I recognise that you are making efforts to help yourself so it’s important that you don’t keep offending,” Judge Ivers added.
She sentenced Cassidy to a total of nine months imprisonment, suspended for three years and ordered him to pay £72 compensation in lieu of the damaged window.
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