A Lurgan man whose blood was found in a car he took without permission and then returned to almost the same spot has been jailed for six months.
Frederick Rules (45), of Grattan Street, admitted aggravating taking of a vehicle; theft of cash and bank statements from the car and criminal damage to the vehicle.
The owner noticed the car was in a different position to where he had left it.
Damage had been caused to the ignition and there was blood present. The offences took place on June 4, 2024.
Then, on June 22 last year, the defendant was found to be in possession of pregabalin and had driven a car in Lurgan without insurance and a driving licence.
The defendant appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court via video link from prison.
A defence barrister said the defendant, who had a “terrible battle” throughout his adult life with addictions and his mental health, had a “horrific” record.
As well as the jail term, District Judge Natasha Fitzsimons banned the defendant from driving for 18 months along with a £100 fine.
