Bragged about getting electricity for free

Wayne Davidson, whose address was given as Cambrai Drive, Waringstown, had pleaded guilty to three offences at a previous court sitting.

These offences were that between March 27, 2012, and March 27, 2105, at Terrace View, Waringstown, he dishonestly used electricity, he had electricity cable and clamps for use in connection with a fraud and he handled stolen goods.

The case had been adjourned so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

The court heard that Davidson had been bragging about not paying for electricity and this was reported by members of the public.

On March 27 last year an NIE engineer went to Terrace View in Waringstown and found wiring leading to a garage at the rear of the property.

Some the wiring was above the ground and Davidson said that he had paid £150 to an unknown NIE engineer to do the work.

He claimed that engineer was a complete stranger to him and on his own accord had offered to do the work.

The defendant could not identify him.

The court was also told that Davidson had repaid £5,000 that was owed to the electricity service.

A barrister representing the defendant said that the house itself was legitimately wired but the illegal wiring was to new buildings put up on the site.

He added that Davidson had no relevant previous convictions and had now moved from the property.

Deputy District Judge, Mr Austin Kennedy, fined Davidson £150 on each of the three offences and ordered him to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

He also sentenced him to three months in prison suspended for two years.