Probation order for Enniskillen woman who attacked her friend

Amy Johnston (24), of Kilmacormick Drive, Enniskillen appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday, June 28 for sentencing on two criminal damage charges and common assault.

On January 2 police were responding to reports of a disturbance at Kilmacormick Drive. When they arrived there was no answer at the front door. 

Officers then went to the rear of the property, saw the rear door glazing had been smashed, and there was blood and glass on the ground.

When they came back to the front of the property, Johnston was standing outside and was looking for the injured party. She had cuts to her hands and face. 

A second disturbance was reported on Hillview Road and the victim was at her mother’s house. She told officers Johnston was at her house and smashed her oven door, pulled her hair, and smashed her back door.

In fear she left, and went to her mother’s house. 

During interview, Johnston said she was at the injured party’s address and had known her for four years, they got on well and on the night in question, they had been drinking together.

When the allegations were put to her, she did not comment, and said the damage to the door was old.

Ciaran Roddy, the barrister for Johnston, told the court it was unclear what instigated the event but alcohol was a catalyst.

He said the aggravating factor was that the “wanton damage” occurred in the vulnerable victim’s house.

Mr. Roddy continued, saying Johnston was also a vulnerable person with acute mental health issues, adding a previous probation order was helpful for Johnston, and she was willing to engage with probation again.

District Judge Steven Keown handed Johnston an 18-month probation order, and warned her if she did not complete it, or if she came back before him for similar offences, she was facing immediate custody.

Johnston was also ordered to pay £200 in compensation for the oven, and £144.67 in compensation for the door.