A Portadown man who scratched his ex-partner’s car whilst intoxicated has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Court heard the 32-year-old could not remember the incident but accepted that the injured party had no reason to lie.
Christopher Albert Simpson, of Glanroy Avenue, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Friday.
It was heard that on April 27, at around 10.20pm, the injured party claimed her ex-partner – the defendant – came to her home and started knocking at the door.
When she denied him entry, Simpson then scratched the side door and boot of her car, before walking away.
Prosecution stated that the estimated damage was around £500.
When interviewed by police, the defendant admitted to being at his ex-partner’s house, but stated he could not remember the incident as he was drunk.
He also said that if the injured party had claimed these were his actions, he believed her, as she had no reason to lie.
Defence solicitor Gabriel Ingram stated: “He has now paid the £500 in damages, this was a stupid spare of the moment decision which he regrets”.
Simpson waived his right to a pre-sentence report wanting to have the matter dealt with.
Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes commented: “This is difficult; although your record stops in 2015, it is there, and is certainly relevant.”
He added: “Clearly there is something about when you have a drink, there is an itch to scratch something and you will do it whether you remember it or not.”
Simpson was ordered to pay the £500 compensation and sentenced to a two-month prison sentence suspended for two years.
A non-molestation order was also put in place to protect the injured party in this case.
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