A row which broke out in a Derry cinema over a man using his mobile phone during a film had its “final screening” at the local Magistrates Court today when those who use phones in such locations were described as “ignoramuses” by a judge.
William Anthony Chambers (58), of Hatmore Park, was charged with causing criminal damage to a Samsung phone belonging to Dermot Robson.
The altercation took place at Brunswick Moviebowl on 13 October last year.
The court was told Mr Robson continued to use his phone during the screening of a film despite a number of requests from Chambers for him to stop.
The court heard the phone was knocked out of its owner’s hand and fell to the ground when Chambers went to grab it.
Defence solicitor, Paddy Kelly, said the incident was “a storm in a teacup that got out off hand.”
Resident Magistrate Barney McElholm said he could understand people forgetting to turn off their phones but those who used them in such locations showed a “lack of courtesy” and were “ignoramuses.”
Mr McElholm granted the accused and an absolute discharge and ordered no compensation be paid for the damage to the phone.
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