Suspended sentence for man who 'smashed up' mother's house

A man who 'smashed up the house' belonging to his mother has received a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Gary Curley (31) of Benevenagh Gardens in Derry admitted a charge of criminal damage on February 13.

The court heard that police were called to a report that the defendant was wrecking his mother's house while under the influence of alcohol. 

When police arrived they had to clear debris away to enter the property.

Police were told that the defendant had arrived home 'agitated' and at around 1.45am began wrecking the house.

His mother locked herself in a bedroom to protect herself.

Police observed damage to various items of furniture and other household goods. 

Defence counsel Michael Donaghey said his client had accepted his guilt. 

He said even his family accepted that this was out of character for Curley. 

The barrister said that there had been no re-offending since the date of this incident.

Curley was sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for three years.