A Derry man has been sentenced to 12 months probation for smashing a car window with a hammer while in the grip of a drug binge. Jonathan Casey, 31, of Ballynagard Crescent, must also pay £350 in compensation.

The incident occurred on December 15. A witness reported seeing a person moving towards the parked vehicle before the side window was shattered. Forensic analysis of blood left at the scene matched Casey’s DNA.

When arrested and interviewed by police, Casey said he had been taking drugs continuously for three days and accepted responsibility for the damage. He pleaded guilty to three charges: criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon, and interference with a vehicle.

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman told the court that his client had struggled with addiction for a considerable time. He said there was no apparent motive for the act beyond Casey not being in his right mind because of the drugs.

A judge imposed the probation order alongside the compensation requirement.