An Armagh man who damaged five TVs in a bookmakers after a row over a bet will be sentenced later this month.
Patrick Gerard Joseph McQuaid (57), of Callanbridge Park, appeared before Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry Courthouse on Tuesday, charged with criminal damage.
The court heard on Friday, January 26, police responded to a 999 call at a bookmaker on Ogle Street in Armagh.
The reporting person stated a male customer was in the store throwing chairs around which had damaged wall-mounted TVs.
Police arrived and observed a male in the public area of the store and shouting.
He stated to police there had been a dispute between himself and staff in regards to a bet.
Police spoke to the reporting person who said the defendant had become annoyed and lifted a chair, hitting a TV and causing damage.
He then threw a tin of cat food at the screen which also caused damage.
The incident was reportedly captured on CCTV.
Five TVs were damaged beyond repair, with an estimated value of £2,000. A receipt had been requested but not yet provided.
A defence solicitor told the court his client, who had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, had felt that he was owed money, which was the source of the dispute.
District Judge Anne Marshall remarked: “If he can afford to bet £400… he can certainly afford to pay for these TVs.”
Judge Marshall adjourned sentencing to March 19, to find an exact price of the items that were damaged.
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