Enniskillen Court House
AN ENNISKILLEN ma who threatened to burn his mother out of her home has been given community service.
Christopher Boyle (20) of Corban Avenue appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court last Wednesday via video link from Maghaberry Prison. He pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug, cannabis, and threats to damage property and endanger life, in relation to two separate incidents.
On March 31st Boyle was in a Vauxhall car when police stopped and spoke to him. The officers noted Boyle appeared nervous and was fidgeting, so they searched him. It was suspected he may have a substance in his underwear, and when brought to Enniskillen station Boyle told them he had cannabis in his underwear. He then produces two wrapped strips of the drug, worth in the region of £20-30.
The second set of charges arose following an incident at Boyle’s mother’s home.
On July 11th police received a report from Boyle’s mother, who said he’d landed at her home drunk and in wet clothes. Boyle demanded money for alcohol from her and threatened to burn down her house and her car.
Speaking of the first incident, defence solicitor Michelle McVeigh said Boyle had “an ongoing battle” with drug use, an issue she said stemmed from his teenage years. She said the cannabis found, which Boyle had himself disclosed to police, had been for his own personal use.
With regard to the incident involving his mother, Ms McVeigh said Boyle had a very limited memory of what had happened, but accepted he’d acted in an inappropriate manner and apologised for his behaviour. She added Boyle had no intention to hurt his mother or damage her property.
Ms McVeigh said Boyle, who has been on remand in prison since July 11th, had been engaging well in services to address his addiction while in custody as he wanted to change his life.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan said it was clear Boyle was motivated to deal with his addictions, adding it was very unfortunate the threat had involved his mother. Ms McVeigh said Boyle’s mother had been visiting him in prison. Judge Ranaghan added a solid family dynamic was important.
Noting Boyle was already subject to a probation order and had already served five to six weeks on remand, Judge Ranaghan told Boyle to continuing engaging well with probation services.
In addition, he sentenced him to 80 hours community service.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere