An Armagh woman who called a neighbour “a f***ing tout” and a “scumbag murderer” during a dispute has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Court heard the 51-year-old continued to cause difficulties and shouted “Up the RA” following her arrest by police.
Florence Margaret Agnew, of Drumarg Park, appeared for sentencing on one count of disorderly behaviour at the city’s Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecution outlined that on September 4, at 5.40pm, police were called to a report of a neighbour dispute at Drumarg Villas, Armagh.
Officers arrived to find the defendant in the street shouting; “He’s a f***ing tout” and “scumbag murderer”.
Agnew continued to shout despite being warned by police about her behaviour and she was subsequently arrested.
It was noted by officers that the defendant appeared intoxicated. As she was taken into custody Agnew continued to cause difficulties and shouted: “Up the RA.”
Defence solicitor Oisin Toner stated: “This was a neighbour and someone she knew for a long time. The facts do not give the full story.
“She feels aggrieved as she believes he sparked the situation but faces no charges. She accepts that she is responsible for her actions, even if the police only caught the end of the situation.”
District Judge Peter Magill commented: “The fact is, the police tried to calm her down but she refused.”
Mr Toner said: “To give your worship some assurance, she instructs that she has since Boxing Day abstained from alcohol.”
District Judge Magill stated: “Ms Agnew, you have pleaded guilty. This was one instance of disorderly behaviour but unfortunately for a number of things in your past, you received a suspended sentence.
“This, although serious, is not as serious as these other matters. You were verbally abusive and drink was the problem but I am now told that you are off drink.”
He continued: “A community sentence, due to the current situation, is not available. There is no work that you can go out into the community and do.
“You say you are off alcohol, that is for the best. I am prepared to take a chance on you but I must inform you that you are pretty much at the end of the road.”
Agnew was sentenced to one month in prison suspended for 12 months.
