18-year-old Derry man handed suspended sentence for harassing parents

A man has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court today for harassing his parents. 

Darren McGrath (18) of no fixed abode admitted a charge of harassment that occurred on February 16.

The court heard that police were called to a report that the defendant was banging on his mother's door. 

He had already been removed from that property by police and had returned demanding to be let in.

A defence barrister said that his client had alcohol issues and his mother decided she did not want him in the house.

He said that the defendant simply would not take no for an answer. 

The barrister said that the harrassment was 'at the lowest level' and that his record was mainly in the youth court. 

Deputy District Judge Oonagh Mullan said this defendant had an 'extensive record' and seemed to be 'continuing in the same vein' now he was an adult. 

She told the defendant that if he continued to re-offend he would end up in custody. 

She imposed a sentence of three months in prison suspended for 12 months.