A DONEGAL man who smashed the window of a property in Strabane where he had been staying after returning from the pub and later resisted police has been sentenced to two months in prison.
Richard Fegan (33), of Ballyharry, Carrowmenagh, appeared via video link from Magilligan Prison, where he pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage and resisting police. The charges relate to an incident on March 14 this year.
Police were called to a property in Strabane at around 5.20pm following reports of a suspected burglary.
When officers arrived, they discovered that a rear window of the property had been smashed. After entering the house, they found Fegan asleep in a bedroom.
He was woken by officers but was described as incoherent in his speech. He was arrested but became verbally abusive and aggressive before being taken into custody.
During police interview, Fegan said he had been at a pub before returning to the property, where he had been staying with his girlfriend at the time. He said he had lost his phone and was unable to get inside, leading him to break the window.
He admitted causing the damage but said he had little recollection of what happened afterwards.
The Public Prosecution Service described Fegan as having a relevant criminal record and noted that he is currently serving time in Magilligan Prison for unrelated offences.
Sitting at Strabane Magistrates’ Court, District Judge McSorley said the custody threshold had been met and sentenced Fegan to two months’ immediate custody.