Larne man, aged 22, goes free with suspended sentence after being convicted of burglaries
A Larne man who burgled a number of garages and sheds in the town has received a suspended prison sentence.
James McKay, 22, of Kitcheners Avenue, pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods, namely a bicycle.
He had pleaded not guilty, but was convicted of, charges relating to October 26/27 in 2023: burglary at household garages at Rugby Terrace and Carson Street in Larne, and attempted burglary of and criminal damage to a garage at Lower Cairncastle Road.
Antrim Magistrates' Court, sitting in Ballymena, was told the defendant had advertised a distinctive stolen bicycle for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
The bike was found and returned to the owner.
A defence barrister said the defendant, who had drugs issues, couldn't remember much about the incidents.
The lawyer said they were "nasty" offences.
District Judge Nigel Broderick gave him a nine-month prison term, suspended for three years.