A man who damaged a woman’s car when he fell into it after coming out of a bar has been given a conditional discharge.
The 57-year-old’s barrister stated: “If he had have been able to pay the lump sum this may have been a case for a caution but he simply could not do so.”
Brian Thornton, of Caugheys Road, Dromore, appeared for sentencing on criminal damage at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Defence barrister Damien Halloran stated: “He was convicted in his absence. It had been hoped that a caution would be available to him but he instructs he wants it dealt with today.”
Prosecution outlined that on January 31, 2018, the injured party observed damage to her Vauxhall Corsa which had been parked on Lower Mount Street in Dromore.
She acquired CCTV from the Market Bar which showed a male, identified as the defendant, come out of the bar at 6.15pm on January 28 and fall on the front passenger wheel arch of her vehicle.
The injured party approached Thornton who said he would pay the damage cost of £550 but would require time as he had lost his job.
When interviewed, the defendant made full admissions to the offence.
Mr Halloran stated: “Mr Thornton had intended on coming to court but got his dates mixed up. He had been living a transient lifestyle at the time but would always have been a plea.
“If he had have been able to pay the lump sum this may have been a case for a caution but he simply could not do so.”
The defendant was handed a conditional discharge for two years and was ordered to pay compensation of £550 within 26 weeks.
