Suspect’s no-show sparks arrest order

A JUDGE has refused to adjourn sentencing in a criminal damage case after the defendant failed to appear because he “lives close to the murder scene” of Pat Ward.

It also emerged the accused sacked his previous legal team and intends to vacate his earlier guilty plea.

William Hamilton (44), from McCrea Park, Clogher, previously denied damaging a window on April 14, 2018, but then changed his plea on the day a contest was to be heard.

Earlier this month Dungannon Magistrates Court was told Hamilton arrived at the victim’s home with a hammer, smashed a pane of glass and shouted: “You know what you done.”

He then encouraged the victim, who is a relation, to come out and fight. Police arrested Hamilton and during interview he remained silent throughout.

District Judge John Meehan ruled pre-sentencing reports were required and ordered Hamilton to return to court yesterday. However, he not only failed to turn up, but didn’t co-operate with Probation Services for a pre-sentence report. While he attended the interview, he had sacked his lawyers, engaged a new legal team and was intending to vacate his guilty plea.

A newly instructed lawyer told the court Hamilton was not present as: “He lives close to the area of the murder scene dealt with earlier.” He did not elaborate on why this would prevent attendance.

Judge Meehan replied: “I think not.”

After a court official confirmed Hamilton had been formally called and there was no response, the judge issued a bench warrant.