A 19-year-old Trillick man has been jailed for nine months for his part in an attack that caused 'savage injuries' to a man in his own home.

David White of Woodview Cresent along with two other men kicked in the door of a house in the town and punched and kicked the occupant about the head.

Omagh Magistrates Court was also told White had earlier jumped on the roof of a woman's car causing damage estimated at £1,000. He was later found by police to be lying under a car near his home.

The court heard that on the night of September 17 last year White and two accomplices smashed their way into the victim's home and began beating him. The injuries included considerable bruising to the eyes, a suspected fractured nose and lacerations to the head. When arrested the defendant at first denied the offences but later admitted responsibility.

Defence counsel said that White has been in custody for over four months since the incident and has used the opportunity to reflect on his behaviour on the night. He added that the defendant had been drinking and was very drunk which had also been a factor in earlier convictions.

Through his solicitor, White expressed 'genuine remorse' for the assault and criminal damage, adding that he had no memory of standing on the vehicle. He said however, he did accept the police's version and stated his intention to make good the damage caused to the vehicle.

The defence added White "accepted he behaved in an unacceptable manner and had no intention of drinking to excess in the future or running with a crowd that were getting into trouble."

Imposing a sentence of nine months in Hydebank Young Offenders Centre, for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, Resident Magistrate Greg McCourt told White, "This man received serious injuries. He had teeth missing and eye injuries that if they had happened to you, would have caused you great distress, drink or no drink. This violence is totally unacceptable. The court cannot overlook the savagery of the injuries caused to this man."

A previous four month suspended sentence was also put into effect to run consecutive to the nine month term. White also received a six month concurrent term of imprisonment for criminal damage.

A co-defendant is still to be sentenced in relation to the assault while a third man has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault.