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Woman (56) escapes jail after destroying ex-fiance's car with a drill

Anna Maguire was handed a suspended sentence for destroying her ex-partner's car with a drill
Anna Maguire was handed a suspended sentence for destroying her ex-partner's car with a drill Anna Maguire was handed a suspended sentence for destroying her ex-partner's car with a drill

A 56-YEAR-OLD woman who destroyed her ex-fiance's car with a drill, superglued his door lock and poisoned his garden plants has been handed a suspended sentence.

Anna Maguire (56), a daycare worker of Glengorm Avenue, Coleraine, Co Derry, carried out a campaign of harassment against Andrew Farrer, from Morrison Park in Portrush, Co Antrim.

CCTV cameras at Mr Farrer's home recorded Maguire entering his house, once in the middle of the night, and again while he was at a daytime charity event.

At Coleraine Magistrates Court today, District Judge Liam McNally described Maguire's actions as "appalling" and handed her a five-month sentence, suspended for three years.

She was handed a three-year restraining order and also must pay £500 compensation to Mr Farrer.

A previous hearing heard Maguire had caused such severe damage to Mr Farrer's car it had to be written off.

He claimed the harassment began after he ended his relationship with Maguire because she had an affair.

The couple had been together for four years and engaged for two.

Anna Maguire arriving at Coleraine Magistrates Court for an earlier hearing. Picture by Mark Jamieson
Anna Maguire arriving at Coleraine Magistrates Court for an earlier hearing. Picture by Mark Jamieson Anna Maguire arriving at Coleraine Magistrates Court for an earlier hearing. Picture by Mark Jamieson

Maguire went to Mr Farrer's home twice in five days in May last year.

Mr Farrer said Maguire also targeted a car belonging to his then partner, who later died.

Maguire previously admitted causing criminal damage to Mr Farrer's car, a door lock at his house and his garden plants. She also pleaded guilty to a harassment charge.

She contested other charges of damaging Mr Farrer's letterbox and a car belonging to his then partner, as well as a further charge of harassment. However, she was convicted of the charges last month.

At today's hearing, a prosecutor said Mr Farrer received messages from Maguire at the end of 2016 and the start of this year. He said the victim found the messages distressing because his partner had recently died.

He told Maguire he did not want any contact with her and later received calls in the middle of the night from a withheld number that was later traced to Maguire.

Defence solicitor Garrett Greene said Maguire had a clear record and had worked in public service for 26 years.

He said her actions were "out of character" and that she was remorseful.

He said she had already paid £300 to Mr Farrer to cover his car insurance excess.

Mr Greene added that Maguire had simply sent messages wishing Mr Farrer a happy new year and asked if he wanted to talk following the death of his partner.

Judge McNally said he could not give her any credit for a full plea but did acknowledge her clear record.

"At the age of 56 you find yourself behaving in this appalling manner," he said.

Ann Maguire goes to second car.
Ann Maguire goes to second car. Ann Maguire goes to second car.
Andrew Farrer arriving at Coleraine Magistrates Court for an earlier hearing. Picture by Mark Jamieson
Andrew Farrer arriving at Coleraine Magistrates Court for an earlier hearing. Picture by Mark Jamieson Andrew Farrer arriving at Coleraine Magistrates Court for an earlier hearing. Picture by Mark Jamieson
Anna Maguire was handed a suspended sentence for destroying her ex-partner's car with a drill
Anna Maguire was handed a suspended sentence for destroying her ex-partner's car with a drill Anna Maguire was handed a suspended sentence for destroying her ex-partner's car with a drill