Assault victim was aggressive to police

After he had been the victim of an assault a Banbridge man became aggressive with police who arrived on the scene.
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Stephen Ian Williamson (22), Reilly Park, Banbridge, had admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour at a previous hearing at the local magistrates’ court.

The case was adjourned until last Thursday so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

A public prosecutor said that on May 17 this year shortly after midnight the defendant was seen staggering around in Solitude Park.

He was in an angry state and had his fists clenched. There was swelling around one of his eyes.

Police asked him to calm down but again he clenched his fists and showed aggression towards police.

He was unpleasant to police and was intoxicated, added the prosecutor.

A solicitor representing Williamson said it was a positive pre-sentence report.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said the defendant had suspended sentences hanging over him but Williamson had ruled out community service which left the court with limited options.

The judge allowed time for the solicitor to consult with Williamson and later in the court the solicitor said his client would consent to any community order.

He explained that Williamson had been drinking in the house that night and was walking into town when he was the victim of an assault.

Judge McStay said the defendant had a record which ran to eight pages which was ‘quite alarming’.

He pointed out that Williamson told probation he did not fancy community service even though his GP thought it might he a good thing for him.

Judge McStay added that he was not impressed by the defendant’s actions and the fact that he still maintained the police made the situation worse.

He said that on another day he would be justified in sending Williamson to jail but his solicitor had persuaded him otherwise.

He imposed 40 hours community service and probation for six months with the condition the defendant participates in an alcohol and drug counselling course.

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