A Newry teenager who turned on police after he himself was the victim of an assault has been ordered to pay a fine of £250.
Sentencing the 18-year-old, the district judge said: “You are getting yourself into serious trouble with police. Looking at the incident what concerns me is that you were intoxicated. There is one thing that you can do and that is stay away from alcohol.”
Ryan Burns, of Parkhead Crescent, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, disorderly behaviour, two counts of assault on police and resisting police at the city’s Magistrates’, via videolink from his solicitor’s office.
Prosecution outlined that on October 23, police responded to a report of an assault in the vicinity of Parkhead Crescent in Newry.
This defendant was found in the area, he was detained and handcuffed until further inquires were carried out.
Burns was aggressive and clearly in a state of intoxication. It was established that he himself had been assaulted.
Whilst detained, the defendant kicked out at the rear of a police car and he shouted and swore in the presence of members of the public.
When told he was being arrested for criminal damage, Burns became aggressive and tried to evade police.
The defendant attempted to kick and punch officers. He spat at one and hit another on the leg.
Whilst being taken into custody, Burns tried to urinate in the police vehicle and spat on the windows.
District Judge Eamonn King branded the offences as “absolutely atrocious behaviour”.
Defence solicitor Gerard Trainor stated: “He is only 18 years of age and he has never been in court before. He has accepted this at the first opportunity.
“He is living at a Simon Community hostel. He is a very vulnerable young fellow who was the victim of a stabbing recently. He is trying to get some help and support in the community.”
District Judge King said: “Mr Burns, you are 18 years of age and up until today you got through life without getting into trouble with the police.
“You are getting yourself into serious trouble with police. Looking at the incident what concerns me is that you were intoxicated. There is one thing that you can do and that is stay away from alcohol.”
Burns was ordered to pay a fine of £250, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
