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Banbridge man obstructed police after fight in Portadown

Craigavon Court

A Banbridge man who failed to give police his details after fighting in Portadown has been jailed for four months.

Edward Cowley, of Scarva Walk, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court via videolink from Maghaberry.

The 31-year-old was charged with obstructing police and possessing a Class B drug.

The court heard on November 28 last year, police received a report from a member of the public who claimed a male was assaulting a female outside the Ulster Bank in Portadown.

When police arrived, both parties refused to engage and provide their details, before walking away.

Police followed, eventually managing to ascertain the information.

It was alleged the defendant gave false details twice before his name was established.

He was arrested and whilst in custody he disclosed to police he was in possession of a Class B controlled drug. A search was carried out and cannabis was located in his trousers.

A defence lawyer explained that the defendant had been sentenced to four months on a separate matter in Newry Court on January 4 and a suspended sentence had been activated.

He added that he was “surprised” the obstructing police charge proceeded, arguing the defendant, “pretty much gave his own name straight away”.

District Judge Rafferty sentenced Cowley to a total period of four months in prison and ordered that the seized drugs be destroyed.


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