CO Tyrone-born actor Gerard McSorley has appeared in court in Donegal charged with causing criminal damage to two flower pots.
The 66-year-old, who has won best actor awards for the film Omagh and played Fr Todd Unctious in hit comedy Father Ted, admitted the offence at a Bank of Ireland branch in Bunbeg on June 16.
However, a judge applied the Probation Act - meaning a criminal conviction is not recorded - on condition €40 compensation is paid.
Inspector Denis Joyce told Dungloe District Court that McSorley had roared and shouted in the bank and broken a flower-pot.
The Omagh native, with an address at Cul na Toinne, Maghaerclogher, Bunbeg, also broke a flower-pot outside the premises.
The incident was captured on CCTV.
The court heard that when gardaí called to his home to question him he made a full admission and apologised for his actions.
McSorley, who also appeared in Braveheart and played crime boss John Gilligan in the film Veronica Guerin, has previous convictions for using insulting, threatening and abusive behaviour and being drunk and a danger to himself and others.
Defence solicitor Jacqui Sharkey said he “regretted very much” the matters before the court.
The judge heard he has had health difficulties over the years and is a very calm individual and well liked in Bunbeg, where he has been living for some time.
Judge Paul Kelly said it was not the worst case to come before the courts and he would apply the Probation Act as soon as compensation of €40 was paid.
The court was told this would be forwarded to the bank.
