An Armagh man who damaged a woman’s house windows and car bodywork has been handed a suspended sentence.
Malachy Ward, of Ardmore Hill, appeared before Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry Courthouse on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old was charged with two counts of criminal damage.
The court heard that on February 27 last year, at around 6:15pm, police were tasked to an area of Armagh in relation to allegations of criminal damage.
The injured party told police that a short time before the damage had occurred, she had been walking in the area with her young children.
She alleged that she received a text message from the defendant, who was a friend. He then called her and said he would put her windows through.
Later, whilst in her house, she looked out and saw the defendant using an object to damage the front windows of the house and the body work of her vehicle.
District Judge Anne Marshall, noting that the defendant had been convicted in his absence, sentenced Ward to four months in custody, suspended for two years.
She also ordered that £740 of compensation be paid to the Housing Association and £750 be paid to the injured party.
A restraining order was also imposed for a period of two years.
Bail of £500 was fixed for appeal.
Follow all the latest court news here.
