A Lurgan teenager who damaged a door, a window and a telehandler has been given two weeks to bring £1,200 worth of compensation to court.
The 18-year-old’s solicitor told court: “He is in school, his parents are on benefits. I do not think it is realistic for him to come up with this money.”
Oisin McDonald, of Killough Gardens, pleaded guilty to attempted criminal damage and criminal damage at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
It was heard the offences occurred on January 27, with the items damaged being a window, a door and a JCB telehandler.
Prosecution said costs for the door and window, of £1,000 and £200 respectively, had been obtained but there had been no evaluation of the damage to the telehandler.
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “I would love to know the cost of the damage to the telehandler. I am going to adjourn this and what I want is compensation.”
Defence solicitor Harry McCourt stated: “He does have learning difficulties and substance problems.”
District Judge Kelly said: “You can’t have it both ways. Does his GP prescribe these drugs?”
Mr McCourt commented: “He is in school, his parents are on benefits. I do not think it is realistic for him to come up with this money.”
District Judge Kelly stated: “He has had since January this year. It is alright for him to go on a spree and damage other people’s property.
“If he appreciates the value of that he would not have committed the offence in the first place.”
McDonald was told he was to appear again on June 14 with compensation of £1,200.
