A Craigavon man who previously pleaded guilty to possessing a Class A drug has been given a suspended prison sentence after failing to complete community service hours.

Diarmuid Brady, 25, of Carrigart, Craigavon, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to breaching the community-based order.

His barrister, Conor Lunny, told the court that Brady was working full time as a scaffolder at the time and had prioritised work over his obligations. Brady missed three appointments and, when he did attend, the explanation he gave was not comprehensive. The relationship with the Probation Board became difficult, and on one occasion when a probation officer visited his home, Brady refused to come down the stairs. Since the breach, Brady has lost his job as a scaffolder and has enrolled in a local college to begin studying A levels.

Deputy District Judge Gerard Trainor noted that Brady had five previous drug convictions, including one for possession with intent to supply. The judge described Brady\'s failure to complete what he said was a very limited number of community service hours as an audacious refusal.

Deputy District Judge Trainor revoked the probation order and imposed a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He warned Brady that any further involvement with drugs or drug supply could result in him going to prison, and stated that the sentence was a direct consequence of Brady\'s own conduct.