A Craigavon teenager has been given the chance to avoid going to prison by paying for the damage he caused by daubing graffiti on a set of stairs.
The 18-year-old was told by a judge: “If you are even one penny short you will be going to prison.”
William Geary, of Parkmore, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Court heard that police were contacted on October 20, of last year, with regards to graffiti on stairs at the underground car park at Rushmere shopping centre, Craigavon.
CCTV footage revealed two males in the area at the time in which the offence occurred with one of them being seen taking pictures of the graffiti.
Still images of the males were circulated with one being identified as the defendant.
He attended Lurgan police station voluntarily where he gave a ‘no comment’ interview.
Defence solicitor Peter Murphy said that the estimated damage was around £200.
District Judge Bernie Kelly told Geary: “I will give to October 24 to bring restitution of £200 and if you are even one penny short you will be going to prison.”
The case will return on October 24 for sentencing.
