Broke into house of former girlfriend - damaging table and Christmas card

Carlo Martinez (20), of The Brambles, pleaded guilty to entering as a trespasser a dwelling at Mulderg Road in the town and stealing £20 cash and a key on June 5 last.

Martinez also admitted two counts of damaging a table top and Christmas card on the same occasion.

Defence barrister Liam McStay explained the incident followed the break up of a relationship.

He said the girlfriend had arrived home to find her window had been smashed and various documents lifted.

Mr McStay asked the court to accept that the burglary had happened in all the emotion experienced following the break -up.

He said defendant was 19 at the time of the offences and the injured party had been trying to break off the relationship for some time.

Continuing, Mr McStay said defendant had then “buried his head in the sand” as regards the incident and in the meantime had managed to get himself a full time job.

He said he had asked the prosecution for a caution to be administered in the case but this had been refused.

Mr McStay stressed that Martinez had no criminal record and wished to put the matter behind him.

He added that a table top had been scratched and a Christmas card damaged.

District Judge Alan White said he would give him credit for entering an early plea, and ordered defendant to pay £100 compensation in respect of the damage.