Twin Derry brothers described as “nuisances” were given suspended jail sentences when they appeared at the city’s Magistrates Court on theft charges.
Twenty-five-year-olds Liam and Stephen Harkin, from Bonds Hill in the Waterside area, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage and taking and driving away a vehicle on August 6 last.
Liam Harkin further admitted the theft of a hooded top from JD Sports on August 1 last.
Paddy MacDermott, defence solicitor, told the court Liam Harkin’s shoplifting attempt of the top had been “amateur” and that when it was discovered he had no money to pay, the item was recovered and fit for resale.
Referring to the car theft, Mr MacDermott said Stephen Harkin had just served an eight month prison sentence and had been released a few days before the incident and had collected money due to him.
He said the brothers had gotten drunk to celebrate and “don’t know why” they took the car as neither of them could drive.
Mr MacDermott said after gaining entry to the car by breaking the window, they then “rolled it, by letting the handbrake off, across the yard.”
He added that at no time did either attempt to start the engine as there was no key.
Mr MacDermott described the incident as an act of “stupidity” and that the twin brothers were “nuisances” when they drank but “in sobriety, they’re good-natured.”.
He said both had “behaved foolishly with drink taken” but added Stephen Harkin had given £100 as “recompense to the injured party” from benefits he had been left to collect.
He said: “This was an immediate expression of contrition and he is very, very anxious about the prospect of going back to prison again.”
Mr MacDermott asked District Judge Barney McElholm to “leave something hanging over their heads” by imposing suspended sentences.
Both were given five month jail sentences suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the owner of the vehicle.
Ending sentencing, Mr Elholm said: “If either of you are back within 18 months for committing further offences, you’ll get five months plus something suitable on top.”
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