Albert Boyd, 42, from Centuripe Avenue in Ballymena, pleaded guilty to assault and damaging a vehicle. The incident occurred around 3am on December 20, 2024, in the Harryville area of Ballymena. Police responded to a report of a disturbance.

The victim reported waking to find his car damaged. He saw a man using a trolley to cause substantial damage to the windscreen and bodywork. Boyd approached the victim, who held a wooden broom for protection. Boyd attempted to punch the victim but missed. The victim struck Boyd with the broom, knocking him down.

Police cautioned the victim for possessing an offensive weapon based on his account. Boyd fled after being restrained when another vehicle arrived. Officers identified him from a description of a distinctive tribal tattoo on the side of his face. Boyd was highly intoxicated upon arrest and initially claimed no memory of events.

Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena on Tuesday, heard Boyd targeted the vehicle knowing the owners were foreign nationals. The court accepted the incident involved racial hostility. District Judge Nigel Broderick noted a prior 2020 incident with similar racial elements on Boyd's record.

The judge imposed an 18-month Enhanced Combination Order with 100 hours of community service as an alternative to prison. Boyd must pay £1,000 compensation to the victim.