A man who stole a games console, sandals and a speaker from a house and also caused significant damages has been given a four-month prison sentence at Enniskillen Magistrates Court.

On December 24 last, police were called to an address in Trasna Way, Lisnaskea, at around 3pm to the report of a burglary.

It was reported the rear window of the house was pulled open and damage caused to clothes, make-up, two TVs and including the property taken, the damage caused totalled £1,000.

The court heard that the defendant – Brian Francis Paul Corrigan (37), of Derrylin Road, Enniskillen – returned to apologise for his behaviour shortly after he left the property.

He grabbed the injured party around the neck, kneed her in the groin, spat at her and shouted obscenities before trying to kiss her. He was eventually restrained by members of the injured party's family.

When he was interviewed and asked about the incident, Corrigan replied: "No, I would never touch a woman."

Corrigan also admitted carrying out the damage, taking the games console and damaging a TV with his fist, the court heard.

Corrigan's barrister, Stephen Mooney, put some context on the incident to the court, saying the parties were well-known to each other and their relationship "waxes and wanes", sometimes positively and then negatively.

He said there had been a fall-out prior to this incident as Corrigan had given the injured party £300 to help buy items for Christmas, and some of his items were in the house.

Corrigan, Mr. Mooney continued, then heard through an acquaintance that some of these items were put up for auction on the internet, and he went to the house to confront the injured party, but she was not there.

He added a "red mist" descended, and Corrigan took items from the house.

Mr. Mooney said Corrigan pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, and said while he had a bad criminal record, this type of offending was not his "stock and trade", and he was more of a public nuisance when drinking.

He said Corrigan had been "bedevilled with alcohol problems" from a young age, but when Corrigan was sober he was an "impeccable worker".

Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne said Mr. Mooney's submissions underlined the benefit of having experienced counsel, as his initial reaction to the facts was that Corrigan's time in custody was going up.

On the balance of what he heard, Judge Browne convicted Corrigan of burglary, common assault and disorderly behaviour, and sentenced him to four months in prison.