A 51-year-old man who damaged property at another person's home has been fined £200 and has received a two year conditional discharge at a recent sitting of Fermanagh Magistrate's Court.
Resident Magistrate Peter Murphy heard how on dates up to the 24th July last year, an unknown person carried out a number of damage only offences at a newly built house belonging to Alan Fitzpatrick, Tummery Road, Irvinestown. Among the damage, windows were smashed, door handles were damaged, fuel tanks were filled with sand, and a vehicle tank was emptied of diesel.
Due to the ongoing damage, Mr Fitzpatrick installed a CCTV camera.
On the 24th July, the top link of a tractor was removed and external door handles were damaged. CCTV footage was reviewed and the defendant Ivan Funston from Jubilee Hill was observed on camera. He was later arrested and the top link was found in his possession. He admitted the damage but maintained he had only borrowed the top link as he knew a relative and thought it was OK to do so. This was not the case and Funston was charged with damaging external door handles at the property on the date in question. Prosecution said all previous damage to the property could not be proved but details were outlined as a means of giving a background to the case.
Defending, Funston's solicitor told the Court that his client had been charged with causing criminal damage to door handles. He submitted that he was 51-year-old with a troubled history and referred the court to a prepared psychiatric report. He said he had been working full time with the Royal Irish Regiment until he was knocked down. The impact involved head injuries which have left Funston with an extremely bad memory, confusion and epilepsy. He said there was no evidence to link his client to the other matters. He submitted that Funston had not been in trouble since and had stayed away. He said he had cared for the injured party's mother and had often called to have tea or coffee with her. He said he had a limited record which was just for driving offences. He was of previous good character and in full-time employment until his accident. For the offence, Mr Murphy imposed a £200 fine and two year conditional discharge.
