A Mayobridge man who made a false report to police that he had been stabbed by his wife has been ordered to pay a fine of £200.
The 61-year-old’s barrister told court that last week his client was handed a suspended sentence for offences including assault on police.
Patrick Francis Breen, of Crossan Road, pleaded guilty to wasting police time at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, via videolink from his solicitor’s office.
Prosecution outlined that on October 31, at 2.04am, the defendant made a report to police that he had been stabbed by his wife.
Officers attended the would-be attacker’s home. She informed them that Breen was her ex-partner and that they had been separated for some 11 years.
After attempts were made to speak with the defendant, police attended his home to find that he showed no sign of injury.
He was arrested and during interview stated that he may have rang 999 but he had no recollection.
Defence barrister Conor Byrne stated that this was a plea at an early opportunity and informed court that Breen had been diagnosed with PTSD.
He also revealed that last week his client had been handed a suspended sentence at Downpatrick Magistrates’ for offences including assault on police.
Deputy District Judge Anne Marshall stated: “He is under a suspended sentence at the moment and this was a nuisance on this occasion.”
Breen was ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 20 weeks.
