A court has heard how a man who had been released from prison the previous day breached a restraining order and damaged windows in a house.

On October 28, police were tasked with a potential breach of a restraining order, with the reporting party saying her ex-partner had contacted her through text message.

Day before

Richard Aidan Slattery (34), of no fixed abode, had been released from prison the day prior, Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard on Monday.

He was arrested at an address in Lisnaskea, where police observed damage caused to the rear windows of the property. During an interview with police Slattery did not comment, the court heard.

His solicitor, Michael Fahy, told the court that Slattery instructed him that the injured party had his house key and bank card and he texted her to get them, and she then contacted the police.

Damaged windows

About the damaged windows, Mr. Fahy said Slattery was trying to effect entry into his property.

Adding that this puts into context the whole incident, Mr. Fahy said Slattery did not want anything to do with his ex-partner, and Slattery needed to remove himself from the vicinity of his ex-partner.

Mr. Fahy also pointed out that the bank card and key were given to police by Slattery’s ex-partner.

District Judge Steven Keown told the court Slattery appeared via video link on September 5 and received a prison sentence and restraining order, and the day after he contacted the injured party and committed further offences.

He gave Slattery credit for his early plea, but said that was the most positive thing he could say on the case.

For criminal damage and breaching the restraining order, Slattery was given an eight-month prison sentence.

Mr. Fahy informed the court that his client would be appealing the sentence, and asked for bail, pending the appeal.

However, bail was refused by Judge Keown.