A Banbridge man who assaulted a member of staff at Lurgan Train Station has been handed probation and community service.
Addressing the 32–year-old, the district judge said: “You have a serious problem and if you can’t see what that is then there is something seriously wrong.”
Kenneth George Doolan, of Chinauley Park, appeared for sentencing on common assault, disorderly behaviour and assault on police at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on June 13, police on patrol of William Street in Lurgan observed a disturbance involving a male near the train station.
The male, who was identified as the defendant, was bare chested with a tracksuit top on inside out and appeared under the influence.
Officers spoke to a member of staff at the station who stated that he had warned Doolan to stand back from the crossing prior to their arrival.
He told police that the defendant had become verbally abusive before punching him to the left side of his face.
Officers noted that the injured party had swelling to his upper lip.
Upon his arrest, Doolan continued to be verbally abusive. He attempted to headbutt a constable before then kicking him in the leg.
When interviewed, the defendant stated that he had drunk a bottle of Sambuca that day and had no recollection of the incident.
Defence barrister Justin Byrne commented that at “first blush” these were serious matters which “crossed the custody threshold”.
However, the barrister informed the court that following his release on bail with a condition not to consume alcohol there had been no breaches.
He added that probation recommended a period of supervision which would be of “benefit” to him.
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “It seems to be that when people behave like this when drugged to their eyeballs, either from drugs or alcohol, because they don’t remember, the rest of us are supposed to suck it up.”
She added: “Mr Doolan, you have a serious problem and if you can’t see what that is then there is something seriously wrong.”
The defendant was sentenced to a combination order consisting of 12 months’ probation and 80 hours community service.
