A Portadown man who damaged a large number of cars while intoxicated has been handed a probation order.
Michael Wilson, 35, of Corcrain Gardens, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with 10 counts of criminal damage.
The court heard that on March 18, 2024, police received a 999 call stating that an intoxicated man was damaging cars on Obins Street in Portadown.
The male was described, and said to be heading in the direction of Charles Street. Police arrived at the scene and detained the man, who identified himself as Wilson.
The reporting person spoke to police and CCTV footage was obtained, which showed Wilson damaging several vehicles.
The court heard that 14 vehicles were damaged, either through having their wing mirrors damaged or windscreen wipers broken off.
Wilson was interviewed on March 19 for 22 counts of damage.
After the facts of the case were read by the prosecution, District Judge Michael Ranaghan said that some of those counts were contested, and some dismissed.
Wilson’s defence solicitor, speaking in mitigation, said that his client was “bullied significantly” throughout his school life and has learning disabilities, stating that he has “significant impairment of social functioning”.
He added this his client, who would pay full restitution, was motivated to seek help through probation.
Judge Ranaghan described the case as, “at first blush a spree of criminal damage carried out with no apparent motive”.
However, he acknowledged the ongoing issues in Wilson’s life.
Judge Ranaghan made a probation order for a period of nine months and ordered that £682.82 in compensation be paid.
