A man who damaged his ex-partner’s window frame whilst subject to a suspended prison sentence for assaulting her has been ordered to complete 18 months probation.
As a condition of this order it requires the 26-year-old not to develop any intimate relationships without first informing his probation officer, who will make steps to ensure disclosure has been made and liaise with social services if required.
Luis Monteiro, of Glenmahon Avenue in Portadown, appeared for sentencing on criminal damage and possession of Class B at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on August 24, at 11.40am, police received a 999 call to attend an incident in the Corcrain area of Portadown.
Upon arrival police spoke to the injured party and her son, who claimed that having been refused entry to the property the defendant had damaged a downstairs window frame and latch.
Montiero was conveyed to custody, where an interview was conducted following which officers detected a strong smell of cannabis emanating from him.
A search was conducted during which two bags of herbal cannabis, weighing approximately two-grams, were recovered.
The defendant was subsequently re-interviewed and made admissions to this offence.
Upon perusing the presentence report, District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “We have a big problem Mr Thompson.”
Defence barrister Aaron Thompson revealed that Monteiro had a live suspended sentence which was in relation to an assault on the same injured party.
He stated: “This was a troubled relationship but the couple are no longer together. There was no direct violence on the injured party as it was criminal damage on this occasion.
“He had gone outside for a smoke, there had been an argument and she locks him out. This was a window which he said was already damaged but he accepts that he caused further damage.”
District Judge Kelly said: “Mr Monteiro, these are serious offences. A child in that house felt sufficiently scared that they had to ring 999 and guess what? When it comes to victim awareness, you say you were also affected.
“That is the mark of domestic violence, when a perpetrator of domestic violence perceives themselves to be a victim. These children were the victims, two of which are your own, not to mention their mother, and you have the cheek to say you were a victim.”
She continued: “You have to understand that this country takes domestic violence very seriously and we have absolutely no time for perpetrators of domestic violence and I can assure you, you are not a victim.
“The suspended sentence did not lead to the appropriate response, however, the presentence report proposes a community disposal which is fairly intensive and stringent.”
Monteiro was sentenced to 18 months probation, with a condition not to develop any intimate relationships without first informing his probation officer, who will make steps to ensure disclosure has been made and liaise with social services if required.
The defendant was also ordered to pay compensation in the form of £200 to the injured party in the case.
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