A Donaghcloney man who took £700 from another male for tickets and accommodation for the Irish Open Poker Tournament has been handed a suspended sentence.
The 46-year-old’s barrister told court: “He did not set out to defraud this man, he had his own difficulties at the time. He was due to get married and the pressure got to him.”
William Brown, of Baird Avenue, appeared for sentencing on one count of theft at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Wednesday.
Prosecution outlined that on April 8, 2019, the defendant told another male that he had tickets to the Irish Open Poker Tournament for sale and would book four nights accommodation in the City West Hotel, Dublin.
Then on April 9 and 17, Brown was given money by the male to the total of £700 and had promised to collect him on the day on the event.
However, the defendant failed to pick the male up. He later offered to pay the money back but never did so.
Defence barrister David McKeown stated: “Restitution is now available and on the last occasion your worship stated that you would take a certain view if that was the case.
“He did not set out to defraud this man, he had his own difficulties at the time. He was due to get married and the pressure got to him.”
District Judge Amanda Brady sentenced Brown to three months in prison suspended for 18 months and ordered restitution to the value of £700 to the injured party.
