Sub-contractor refused to come off road for police

A man called police “RUC black b*****ds” when they asked him to stop walking in the middle of the road, Dungannon Magistrates Court was told on Wednesday.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Aug 2020, 06:32 BST
Dungannon Court TT0509-JS112Dungannon Court TT0509-JS112
Dungannon Court TT0509-JS112

Ryan Patrick Martin Kerr (28), of Derrylattinee Road, Dungannon, admitted disorderly behaviour, assaulting two police officers, and resisting police on July 6.

Imposing fines totalling £750 with a £15 offender levy, District Judge Michael Ranaghan told Kerr the police were only trying to help him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Ranaghan said he was being treated very leniently and warned the defendant if he offended again a period of custody would be the likely outcome.

Prosecution counsel said police were on patrol at Ballygally Road, Dungannon, when they saw the defendant walking in the middle of the road. He said Kerr appeared to be intoxicated and police had reason to believe that his safety was in danger.

Counsel said the defendant said he would not be getting off the road for “RUC black b*****ds”. He clinched his fist and swung towards an officer to punch him and moved towards one as if he was going to head-butt him, and was brought to the ground.

Defence lawyer Blaine Nugent said Kerr wished to apologise to the officers. Mr Nugent said the only thing in Kerr’s favour is that none of the officers were injured. He said the defendant was a sub-contractor for NIE, and asked the court to regard the incident as “a blip or aberration” and not to impose a period of custody.