A man who threw a breeze block through the window of the home he shared with his friend after an argument has been handed a conditional discharge .
Court heard that the 35-year-old, who is originally from England, also urinated in the rear of a police vehicle whilst being conveyed into custody following his arrest.
Simon Daniel McDonald, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage at Armagh Magistrates’, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday via videolink from police custody.
Prosecution outlined that on October 4, at 6.05pm, police received a report of criminal damage at a property on Newry Street in Kilkeel.
Officers arrived and spoke to the injured party. He stated that the defendant had thrown a breeze block through a window at his property and that it had also damaged his mobile phone.
Police spoke to a male nearby, who identified himself as McDonald, and when cautioned he confirmed it was he who caused the damage.
Whilst being conveyed into police custody, the defendant threatened that he was going to urinate in the rear seat of the police vehicle and later proceeded to do so.
Speaking out, McDonald told the court that he had not been threatening but merely informing the officers.
Defence solicitor Conor Downey stated: “This is a man who was in full time employment as a chef to his credit and he was staying with the injured party.
“Unfortunately, alcohol was involved and there had been an argument. Mr McDonald accepts full responsibility for his actions.”
He added: “He informed me of his wish for the matter to be dealt with today. He is originally from England but he has been living over hear and has a young daughter who resides here.”
District Judge Eamonn King ordered that the defendant pay compensation of £500 to the injured party and handed him a conditional discharge for a period of 12 months.
