A Tandragee man who melted an electronic tag whilst on bail for allegations of a sexual nature has been handed an absolute discharge.
The 20-year-old’s legal representative told court the alleged injured party was facing charges of perverting the course of justice after admitting to fabricating the accusations.
Nathan Kidney, of Ballybeg Park, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on June 14, police were called to an address in Richhill after receiving a report that an electronic tag had been tampered with by the defendant.
Police spoke to Kidney who confirmed that he had melted the tag with an open flame.
Defence counsel stated: “At the time he was on remand for 31 charges of a sexual nature. Ultimately the injured party made a statement in which she admitted to the original claims being a fabrication.
“She currently is facing a case for perverting the course of justice.”
He added: “He was unable to get an address which left him spending nine months in custody, upon release he was on strict conditions.
“A combination of immaturity and frustration led to him damaging the tag but it was not until two months later that the clasp broke and it was found to have also been melted.”
District Judge Paul Copeland handed the defendant an absolute discharge.
