A man who breached a non-molestation order and contested the charge has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
The judge stated that the 37-year-old had already been handed the “a la carte menu” of sentences in the past, including community service for breaching a previous court order.
Michael Magill, of Lisburn Road in Ballynahinch, was sentenced for breaching a non-molestation order at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on January 16, at around 8.50am, the defendant knocked the front door of the injured party’s home in Lurgan.
This was in breach of a non-molestation order which had been put in place on May 29 of last year.
Upon opening the door and smelling alcohol on Magill’s breath, the injured party locked the door before running to another room.
The defendant made off before police were able to arrive.
Later when interviewed, Magill denied even being in Lurgan on that date but acknowledged that a non-molestation order was in place stating they are out to get me.
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated that the defendant had received the “a la carte menu” with regards to sentencing in the past.
This included a community service order for the breach of another court order in the form of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
Defence counsel said: “Mr Magill has somewhat stabilised since he moved from this area to Ballynahinch, he is not in employment having suffered a brain injury from an assault some years ago.”
Judge Kelly stated: “Mr Magill this is a serious matter compounded by the fact you contested it and compounded by your record.”
The defendant was sentenced to two months in prison suspended for two years.
