A Derry man who allegedly attacked cars belonging to family members with a toy scooter after being thrown out of a bowling alley has been given time to pay compensation.
Harry Boyle, 26, of Galliagh Park, is charged with twice causing criminal damage, possession of an article with intent to damage property, and possession of Class C drug Xanax on January 28 of this year.
The defendant was the victim of a paramilitary style shooting in April 2016.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley asked the judge if he would consider deferring the case for three months to give Boyle the opportunity to show that he can ‘stay out of trouble’ and to provide proof of any benefits he receives.
District Judge Barney McElholm said the incident was ‘absolutely disgraceful’, which consisted of Boyle damaging property belonging to family members after staff at the bowling alley had ‘thrown him out’. The court heard that he damaged an Audi A6 car and a Ford van, vehicles that belonged to his uncle and brother.
Mr Quigley said that ‘in sobriety’ his client accepts it was wrong and realises he has to pay compensation to his family.
The District Judge said he would adjourn the case for three months to give the 26-year-old the ‘opportunity to show his willingness to pay £100 each week’ which he believed was the ‘least I would expect from (Boyle)’. He said it is ‘clear to me he has been spending most of his money on drugs in the past’.
The defendant was released on his own bail of £750 with conditions including no alcohol, a curfew of 9pm-7am, and an electronic tag. The court was told that the address had been reserved for Boyle but shutters may be in place so it was agreed that he would be given a day to allow that issue to be resolved.
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