A man was jailed today for stealing an ice cream van in West Belfast.
Lee Johnston, 29, received a six-month term after he admitted taking the vehicle while it was stopped in the Lagmore View area earlier this year.
The van was later found abandoned at Teeling Avenue, following a collision with a parked car. Johnston, of no fixed address, faced charges of aggravated vehicle taking causing damage, criminal damage to a dash camera, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He was also accused of the theft of £70 in cash, car keys and a crate of Coca-Cola valued at £150. A co-defendant had been charged with similar offences in connection with the incident on February 18.
Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard today that Johnston has expressed genuine remorse and embarrassment about his actions. Defence counsel Michael Boyd said his client had a limited memory of events due to taking drugs.
Johnston mistakenly thought he was engaging in “banter” with the driver of the ice cream van. He now realises the driver was left afraid by what occurred, according to the barrister.
Mr Boyd insisted there was never any planned theft, but confirmed Johnston now wanted to apologise to the victim. District Judge George Conner ordered the defendant to serve a total sentence of six months in custody.
