‘Out of control’ male damaged defibrillator box in town car park

Twenty-two-year-old Ciaran Cartin from Ashgrove Park in the town, admitted charges of damaging the defibrillator at the Spar in the Union Road park, and disorderly behaviour on September 23 last year.

Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop also ordered Cartin to pay £200 compensation towards the damage caused to the defibrillator unit.

Prosecuting counsel said at approximately 10.20pm police were called to a report of a male who was out of control in Union Road car park in the town.

She said the defendant was walking round with his top off shouting and swearing at onlookers and people sitting in cars.

Counsel said a defibrillator box had been broken by the defendant and the device removed but police managed to recover it by the side of the road and it did not appear to be damaged.

The lawyer added that the defibrillator unit had to be replaced at a cost of £1,633.

Admitting the offence defence lawyer Dean Mooney stressed Cartin had made full admissions soon after the incident.

Describing them as “an appalling set of facts”, Mr Mooney pointed out that the pre-sentence report was positive and stated that Cartin was full of remorse for his behaviour.

Mr Mooney said Cartin is a young man who had some personal difficulties which he is now seeking assistance for.

He suggested that the defendant could receive assistance from the Probation Service which may help him going forward.

Mr Mooney pleaded with the court not to impose a period of custody given the defendant’s admission to the charges and the very positive pre-sentence report.

Deputy District Judge Dunlop said in the circumstances he would “leave something hanging over his head”.

Mr Dunlop said he would give Cartin 26 weeks to pay the compensation order.

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