A Craigavon man who stole a phone from a car that was found by police on fire has been sentenced to one month in prison.
The 29-year-old had originally faced a charge of arson but this was withdrawn by the prosecution.
Robert Wilson, of Ardowen, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug, theft and resisting police at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he appeared via videolink from Maghaberry.
Court heard that on December 12, police received a report of a car on fire in Maple Court, Lurgan.
Officers arrived and found the defendant in the vicinity of the vehicle.
A search was conducted on Wilson and police found a quantity of cannabis on his person.
Officers spoke to the owner of the car who claimed a Samsung mobile which had been inside had gone missing.
Police later found defendant had the mobile in his possession.
Wilson denied all of the offences when he was interviewed in custody.
Prosecution stated that the defendant had struggled with police as they attempted to arrest him.
Court heard that Wilson had originally been charged with arson but this had been withdrawn.
Defence barrister Joel Lindsay said: “He is due for release on Monday. During this period of time Mr Wilson did struggle with drugs.
“Whilst in custody, he has sought to deal with this through various agencies and has made contact with the AA.”
He added: “The manner in which he resisted police was minor; officers placed one handcuff on but as they attempted to place the other on he tensed his arm.”
Wilson was sentenced to one month in custody for each of the matters and these were ordered to run concurrently to each other.
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