Man Sentenced for Damage to Drag Queen Costumes
A man who caused damage to costumes and wigs while trying them on in a dressing room for drag queens has been sentenced to seven months in jail.
Gvidas Malinauskas was seen wearing the costumes at the Union Street Bar in Belfast on 21 September 2025.
The prosecutor stated that the 42-year-old left some clothing stained and smelling of urine, with several items ripped.
The Lithuanian national, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to charges of burglary with intent to steal and criminal damage.
Court Details and CCTV Evidence
Belfast Magistrates' Court heard that CCTV footage showed Malinauskas entering the bar through an unlocked front door at approximately 09:00 BST. He proceeded to the dressing room, left around 12:00, and returned about an hour later.
A lawyer representing the Public Prosecution Service described his attire:
"He was wearing a white fluffy coat, pink boots and a long wig"
Approximately an hour later, Malinauskas changed into a beige catsuit.
The prosecutor added that the defendant returned to the dressing room and exited wearing a blue bodysuit and a blonde wig.
Later that day, a performer alerted the bar manager after discovering that Malinauskas had returned to the dressing room wearing a black catsuit around his knees, a pink fluffy top, and a red wig. He subsequently changed back into his own clothes and left the premises.
The total damage to the outfits was estimated at just under £1,100.
Defence and Judge's Remarks
The defence counsel stated that Malinauskas was intoxicated and did not understand why he was in the bar.
"There is no suggestion his actions were motivated by hostility against any of the performers at the Union Bar on the basis of (sexual) orientation."
The defence also noted that the defendant had been held in custody on remand since the incident.
It was revealed that Malinauskas is currently subject to separate extradition proceedings related to alleged dishonesty offences in Lithuania.
District Judge George Conner acknowledged the guilty plea and the defendant's clear record, stating he gave "credit" for both.
