Fintona man jailed for steaing from Good Samaritan

A FINTONA man has been jailed for six months after stealing from the homeowner who kindly offered him a place to stay.

At Omagh Magistrates Court last week, Timothy Morrow (23), with no fixed abode, but who previously lived in Fintona, was sentenced for numerous offences.

He had been charged with burglary with intent to steal, two counts of theft, taking a vehicle without permission and driving without insurance.

The court heard that following his release from custody, Morrow had met the victim, who after a short time of knowing each other, allowed him to stay at his house until he found his own accommodation.

However, on February 21, a report was made to police by the homeowner at 8am, who said that when he woke that morning his front door was open and various items and cash amounting £100 had been taken from his property.

He said that it was only him and Morrow in the house, and there were no signs of forced entry to the property.

The victim had also contacted his brother, who also had property missing.

The brother awoke to find his car missing from his driveway, along with multiple tools including a power washer and leaf blower, totalling £1,000.

This man also noted £50 cash missing.

At a later stage, Morrow drove the stolen car to the police station and handed himself in for the offences.

From the stolen property, only the car was recovered. District Judge Magill asked where the rest of the property was, which defence counsel Damien Halleron said he didn’t know.

Mr Halleron explained that Morrow, who had served four-and-a-half months in custody, had been going through a ‘mental health episode’ at the time of the offences.

He further stated that Morrow had a ‘difficult childhood’ and had been staying with the victim until he found his own accommodation.

Judge Magill said that the theft was ‘mean’ after the victim allowed Morrow to stay in his house.

Noting Morrow’s guilty plea, Judge Magill sentenced the 23-year-old to six months in custody and a driving disqualification of six months.