Man warned he is facing jail sentence if he offends again

Man warned he is facing jail sentence if he offends again

12 March 2014

A MAN has been warned he is quickly scaling the criminal ladder after a disorderly incident in Ballynahinch last summer.

Cameron James Shaw appeared in court in Downpatrick last week to be sentenced for criminal damage and threats to damage property.

He was sentenced to one year on probation and 70 hours of community service at the special sitting of the district court for damaging the wing mirror of a car and threatening to burn the vehicle at Willowbank Park in Ballynahinch on July 13.

The occupants of a nearby house, where Shaw’s former partner lived, said he began the disturbance by banging their front door.

Police found him attempting to leave the area and said he was highly intoxicated and unsteady on his feet.

The court heard that Shaw, who was initially sentenced to probation for the offences, failed to attend probation meetings because he said he could not afford the bus fare.

His defence lawyer said he had since “grasped the opportunity” to re-engage with probation.

He said the defendant had a growing problem with alcohol and substance abuse and on the day of the incident he had “taken umbrage” against the new partner of his ex-girlfriend, who was in the house at Willowbank at the time.

“He is going up the criminal ladder quite quickly, which falls down to alcohol and substance abuse,” he said.

District Judge Greg McCourt said 20 year-old Shaw, who is currently living in a homeless shelter, was acting his way to prison and warned he would end up serving a lengthy period behind bars if he does not change his ways.