A former heroin addict who is now addicted to Subutex was given a nine-month prison sentence suspended for three years following a “ham fisted” attempt to break into a bookmakers in Irvinestown.

Brian Cassidy, 38, from Main Street Irvinestown appeared at Fermanagh Court last Wednesday, pleading guilty to a charge of criminal damage to a window in Toal’s bookmakers, Irvinestown on August 13, 2017.

The court heard that on August 14, police attended a report of criminal damage to Toal’s Bookmakers, where the owner had taken a screen shot of an image of Cassidy from the CCTV camera.

Two witnesses knew Cassidy from previous dealings and told police he had thrown a brick through the window, causing £72 worth damage.

Cassidy’s defence solicitor told the court, that, “in reality, the offence was attempted burglary” but because of Cassidy’s long-term heroin addiction and subsequent Subutex addiction, it was “ham fisted – he couldn’t even get through the window because his addiction is so bad.”

The solicitor outlined that Cassidy had “lost his way” and is currently “engaging meaningfully” with the Community Addiction Team.

Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers said that Cassidy had breached a previous suspended sentence for common assault but she was prepared to give him “one more opportunity.”

She sentenced him to a total of nine months, suspended for three years.