An Armagh man who smashed the window of a property for a place to take shelter after an argument with his partner has been sentenced to three months in prison.
Court heard that the 37-year-old, who also spat at an officer during his arrest, was found asleep in an upstairs bedroom of the property.
Glen John Carroll, of Glenside, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, assault on police and disorderly behaviour at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on September 12, police received reports of an intoxicated male calling at an address on the Tandragee Road, Portadown, asking for a taxi.
Upon arrival, officers observed that a window pane of a nearby address had been smashed and on the floor inside could be seen a brick, along with blood on the windowsill.
Police checked both the front and back door, finding both to be locked. Given the blood, officers assumed that the culprit may still be inside.
Carroll was found by police asleep in an upstairs bedroom of the property with cuts to his hands.
Whilst being conveyed to a police car, the defendant became aggressive, telling officers: “The next time I see you alone I will get you.”
Court heard Carroll was warned about shouting and swearing on numerous occasions but continued.
The defendant also spat at a constable prior to his arrest.
Defence solicitor John McAtamney explained that his client had travelled to Portadown after having an argument with his partner, but with no money to get home had taken shelter in the “vacant” property.
He stated: “There was no other nefarious goings on, nothing else was damaged and nothing was taken…..he has asked for me to apologise for his behaviour towards police.”
Mr McAtamney acknowledged that Carroll appeared with 122 previous convictions but noted that his last for assault on police dated back to 2006.
Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers commented that the defendant’s record and the “nature” of his offending was a concern.
Carroll was sentenced to three months in prison for the offences before the court.
