Two men who were part of a group who entered a man’s home without permission and stole money and a television have been given suspended sentences.

On August 28, 2021, police attended an address and spoke to the injured party, who stated four people had entered his property uninvited.

He said he shouted at them to leave him alone as he had done nothing wrong, while €50 was taken from his pocket.

Lukasz Rudnik (33), of Abercorn Road, Londonderry, then lifted the victim’s television, while Shane Christopher McGovern (27), of Trasna Way, Lisnaskea, was also present.

As they left, the victim threw a plank of wood at them before they got into a car and drove off, Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard on Monday.

The injured party told police he did not invite them into his house, and gave them no permission to take his property or money.

The court heard how the actions of Ludnik put the injured party in fear, which amounted to a technical assault.

Ludnik’s barrister, Stephen Chapman, said his client accepted he should not have been seeking redress for debt in this way.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, barrister for McGovern, said his client’s role in the incident was “quite periphery” and he was not the main instigator. But he said his presence added to and facilitated the theft.

Mr. Fitzpatrick told the court his client was substance-free for the first time in 10 years, and wished to maintain that. 

Addressing Ludnik, District Judge Steven Keown said he was the “driving force” behind the whole episode, and was the one owed money who decided to take the law into their own hand.

For common assault and theft, Ludnik received a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a two-year restraining order. He was also ordered to pay €50 in compensation.

McGovern received a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and a two-year restraining order for theft.