A man who assaulted his sister and burned personal documents belonging to her has been sentenced to two months in prison.
Sentencing the 27-year-old, the district judge commented: “The combination of offences is so serious that there is only one penalty I can impose.”
Ibrahim Braima Sanha, of Garvaghy Park in Portadown, appeared for sentencing on two counts of common assault, two counts of arson and one of theft at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, via videolink from Maghaberry.
Prosecution outlined that on August 5, police received a report in relation to an incident involving the defendant and his sister.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with Sanha’s sister who claimed that her brother had burned personal documents belonging to her and had assaulted her by punching her on the arm.
The injured party stated that these offences had been committed by Sanha on August 5 and 6.
Police noted that the female was distressed and observed the remnants of burnt documents at the property.
The defendant was subsequently arrested and during interview denied the allegations.
Then, on December 8, at 9.27am, staff at Home Bargains in Portadown observed a male on CCTV footage steal items to the value of £4.23 from the store.
This individual was later identified by a police officer as Sanha and he made full admissions to the offence following arrest.
Defence barrister Aaron Thompson stated: “Mr Sanha is a 27-year-old Portuguese national who has lived in Northern Ireland for a number of years and he had worked throughout that period in a factory.
“Sadly, for the arson case he did not attend court and your worship issued a warrant for his arrest…..he has been in custody since July 5.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “The combination of offences is so serious that there is only one penalty I can impose.”
Sanha was sentenced to a total of two months in prison.
