Derry man handed suspended sentence for attempted criminal damage to his sister's door

A man has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrates' Court today for attempted criminal damage to his sister's door.

Caolan Hayden (32) of Fahan Street in Derry admitted two charges of attempted criminal damage and disorderly behaviour on March 20.

The court heard that police received a report from the defendant's sister that her brother was kicking at her doors and windows. 

The woman said that the defendant had been staying at her address and she had asked him to leave.

She said her children had been upset by the incident. 

At interview Hayden denied the offences and said he had knocked at the door but hadn't used any force nor had he gone near the windows.

Defence solicitor Conor McGurk said his client had not gone to the address with the intention of causing a scene. 

He said Hayden claimed he wanted his sister to phone him a taxi and she had refused. 

The solicitor said the defendant had not been long released from 'a significant sentence'.

Hayden was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for two years.