A man who lost £1200 in a gaming machine has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrates Court for smashing the machine.

Joseph Friel, 50, of Iniscarin Crescent in Derry, was charged with criminal damage on July 15, smashing a gaming machine in a centre in Shipquay Street.

Police were called by a member of staff at 8an about an  incident where Friel had entered the centre and smashed the machine. 
The court heard how Friel said he had lost £1200 in the machine over the previous two weeks.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott told the court that Friel had lost ‘a lot of money and lost his temper’ but that he was now seeking help for his anger and gambling issues.

District Judge Ted Magill said that this was ‘appalling behaviour’ but told Friel it was ‘your own fault you were gambling no one dragged you in from the street.’

He was sentenced to three months suspended for two years and ordered him to pay £250 in compensation.