Samantha Clifford (24) of Derrin Park pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Wednesday. On Friday, September 1st police were contacted by the owner of the house to report the damage. In total there was £2,014 damage caused to a kitchen unit, double glazing, wooden flooring, a washing machine, floor tiling, the kitchen and living room doors, a marble fireplace, and walls and carpet. 

When police later spoke with Clifford, who had previously been living at the house but was moving out, she admitted to causing the damage. Clifford told them she had gone “a wee bit mad,” causing damage to her own things also, and had drank a bottle of wine. She told the officers she would never do anything like it again.

Defence barrister Ciaran Roddy said Clifford had caused “significant and wanton damage” to the house, which she was due to leave shortly afterwards. He said it was an unfortunate case as Clifford  did not have the means to pay the owner back for the damage caused. 

Mr Roddy said Clifford, who he described as “bright and intelligent”, did not know what happened on the night, as she held no hostility towards the injured party, and said she had “just flipped.” He said he felt she would not be before the court again.  

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said an aggravating feature in the case was the fact Clifford was not able to repay the cost of the damaged she had caused. He said he appreciated she had issues in her life. 

Judge Ranaghan sentenced Clifford to 18 months probation and ordered her to pay £200 compensation to the owner of the house.