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26 Mar 2026
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26 Mar 2026
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Derry Court
A man who was inconvenienced by a gate being locked took it upon himself to cut the chain so he could take a short cut Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.
Michael McLaughlin (25) of Meenan Drive in Derry admitted a charge of criminal damage on the chain on May 29.
The court heard that the locked gate prevented McLaughlin from using a short cut he normally did so he cut the chain off.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that any issues in the case were now resolved.
He said that the defendant was a single man who had pleaded at the earliest opportunity.
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The value of the chain was set at £70.
District Judge Ted Magill said that criminal damage carries a sentence of up to two years in prison.
He told McLaughlin that he was annoyed that he had to take a longer route home so he took it upon himself to cut the chain and the judge added 'you cannot do that'.
McLaughlin was fined £100 and ordered to pay £70 in compensation.
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