A Lurgan man who removed an electronic tag he had been ordered to wear as part of bail conditions has been fined £300.
The 29-year-old’s barrister told court the defendant was “physically and emotionally” affected by the wearing of the tag.
Christopher Martin Hamill, of Lurgan Tarry, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Court heard that on August 17, the defendant was released on bail with one of the conditions being that he wore an electronic tag on his person.
On August 29, at around 12.35am, staff of G4S went to Hamill’s address to check that he was at home.
They were granted entry by a female who advised them that the defendant was not at the property.
However, the security tag which had been taken off by Hamill was found.
The defendant was found at the address later that day.
Defence barrister Peter Coiley stated that the tag had been difficult for Hamill both “physically and emotionally”.
He added that the defendant was now back on bail and once again was subject to wearing an electronic tag.
Court heard Hamill had been employed with Lurgan Meats, but this had now ceased.
The defendant was ordered to pay a fine of £300, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
