A Portadown man who “never thought he would be before a court again” has been fined £500 after assaulting a police officer.
Court heard the 33-year-old man’s last offence occurred back in 2013 and that on this occasion he had “too much to drink”.
Peadar Francis McNamee, of Rose Cottages, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour and assault on police at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Court heard that on January 19, at 10.50pm, police on patrol in Lurgan spotted two males fighting on Carnegie Street.
As officers approached one of the males, identified as the defendant, began to make threats.
McNamee then ran towards police aggressively and quickly.
Court heard CS spray had to be used to detain the defendant.
As McNamee was cautioned he continued to shout and kicked out hitting an officer’s leg as he was placed in the police vehicle.
Defence solicitor Siun Downey stated that this was a case in which a pre-sentence report may be required due to the defendant’s record.
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “To be fair to him, his last entry was in 2013. This shows a certain period of stability.”
Ms Downey said: “He had managed to stay out of trouble, he previously had issues with alcohol but he has made efforts to rectify this.
“Unfortunately, in this situation, he had too much to drink.”
She added: “Mr McNamee never thought he would be before a court again. He wishes to apologise to the police and is extremely embarrassed by his actions.”
The defendant was ordered to pay a fine of £500, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
