A man and a woman who were part of a group that entered a property uninvited and helped steal a television and money have been convicted of theft.
Colette Wheeler (30), of Galliagh Park, Enniskillen, and Shane Jude O’Kane (34), of Bushfield Mill, Claudy, were part of a group of four people who entered a property in Newtownbutler on August 28, 2021.
Their two co-accused were previously convicted and sentenced at Enniskillen Magistrates Court last week.
O’Kane was also convicted of common assault.
The court heard how shortly after 1am the four people entered the home of the injured party and pushed him into the living room, where he was punched and kicked.
The victim shouted at them to leave him alone as he had done nothing wrong.
Someone told him he had taken his money, and €50 was removed from his pocket while a television was also taken.
Wheeler, when interviewed, gave a largely “No comment” interview, but admitted being at the house.
O’Kane also confirmed he was at the address, but denied any involvement or knowledge of the allegations and said he was invited in by the victim.
Ciaran Roddy, a barrister representing Wheeler, said the aggravating factor in the case was this was a group act on a single individual who was clearly very distressed.
He said Wheeler was “not the moving party” but accepted her guilt as part of a joint enterprise.
Referring to her pre-sentence report, he said there would be a benefit for Wheeler from a probation order.
O’Kane’s barrister, Grant Powles said he would largely echo what Mr. Roddy said on the factual nature of the case.
He asked for credit for O’Kane’s guilty plea and compliance with the police. He added that the common assault was a technical charge of putting the victim in fear.
At Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday, for common assault and theft, O’Kane received a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and a two-year restraining order.
Wheeler, for the charge of theft, received a 12-month probation order and a two-year restraining order.
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