Suspended sentence for Derry man charged with criminal damage to fire alarm system

A man who damaged a fire alarm system at a block of flats has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Eamonn McTaggart (31) of Tamneynore Park in Derry appeared charged with criminal damage to the fire alarm system and resisting police on November 25.

The court heard that police were called to Rockmills by security after the defendant smashed the system causing damage between £200 to £500.

When police approached McTaggart he 'resisted forcefully'.

He was also found to have an alcohol reading of 112mgs with 35mgs being the legal limit and that breached his bail conditions.

A police officer told the court that as a result of McTaggart's action the fire alarm was disabled and he had 'put a block of flats in danger'.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client had no recollection of what happened and had no idea why he was at Rockmills.

He said his client wanted to apologise to the residents and the owners of the flats.

McTaggart was sentenced to 9 months suspended for three years and ordered to pay £500 in compensation.