A Dunmurry man has been sentenced after admitting to breaching a court order that banned him from keeping animals.

Jordan Wilson, 34, of Rowan Drive, appeared at Lisburn Magistrates Court on Thursday, October 15, charged with breach of a disqualification. The court heard that police attended his home on April 29 following a report that he had a dog.

Wilson had been banned from keeping any animals for five years by Belfast Magistrates Court on February 16, 2022. When officers arrived, they saw the dog and Wilson admitted it was his and that he knew it breached the order.

A defence lawyer said Wilson struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues, and described the offence as stemming from loneliness and isolation. The lawyer noted Wilson had been previously prosecuted for kicking his dog when it lunged at a passer-by.

District Judge Rosie Watters imposed 240 hours of community service. She said Wilson needed more in his life to keep him busy, and stated she would not send him to prison.