Man admits to damaging Fivemiletown rugby pitch

A twenty-year-old man has admitted multiple charges relating to incidents in Fivemiletown including burglary damaging a school sports pitch and incitement to hatred.

Matthew Henry Acheson from Rampart Lane, Lisbellaw but remanded in custody appeared in the dock of Dungannon Crown Court where the charges which had previously been split into two separate matters but understood to be connected to incidents over two years ago, were accepted.

While no details surrounding the circumstances of the offending were disclosed Acheson admitted entering a house at Nelson Park, Fivemiletown on September 23 2022 where he stole a CCTV monitor as well as car and house keys, while being in possession of a balaclava for use in burglary.

He then stole a number plate, took a Ford Mondeo without the owner’s consent causing damage in the process and drove it while disqualified.

Finally in this batch of offences he damaged a rugby pitch belonging to Fivemiletown College.

The split change of incitement to hatred which has now been rejoined to the substantive matters and involved using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour on October 3 2022 was also admitted.

A defence barrister said pre-sentence reports were required and a number of other assessments may be sought.

Judge Fiona Bagnall remanded Acheson in continuing custody and listed sentencing to take place on April 10, providing all necessary reports have been completed.