An Armagh man, who shouted and swore at police in front of a group of children, has been fined.
David Hatch, 45, of Dobbins Grove, appeared before Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry Courthouse on Tuesday, charged with disorderly behaviour.
While the case was to be heard to fix a date for contest, a defence lawyer indicated that Hatch, who had “quite a lengthy criminal record,” would be pleading guilty to the matter.
The prosecution told the court that on July 28, 2024, police attended Dobbins Grove in Armagh and spoke to a female regarding another incident.
The female who was spoken to was “amicable” and “compliant” and police left the address.
While leaving, Hatch approached the police vehicle and was “shouting loudly” with both his fists clenched.
Despite being warned to stop this behaviour, he continued to shout in a disorderly and aggressive manner.
Police also noted there were approximately four young children within earshot of Hatch’s behaviour.
Hatch continued to behave in a disorderly manner and began walking towards his house, shouting, “You are f***ing quick to come out to me”.
Speaking in Hatch’s defence, a lawyer conceded to the court that the incident entailed, “very unsavoury behaviour”.
He asked the judge for credit as Hatch had taken the “realistic step” in pleading guilty to the charge and avoided going to trial.
He added that Hatch suffers from mental health issues and was proscribed “quite a lot” of medication.
District Judge Anne Marshall, on passing sentence, commented: “Very poor behaviour. Police don’t need this hassle and the children in the area certainly do not need to see this and hear people shouting and swearing at police.”
Hatch was handed a fine of £200 and a £15 offenders’ levy.
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