Shouted abuse and drove off from police

Richard Craig Keenan, Newry Road, Rathfriland, admitted breach of a non molestation order on September 27 and failing to stop for police.

The court heard that at 11.20am police received a report from the injured party that her estranged husband, the defendant, had been verbally abusive to her at the Milestone shop in Newry Street, Rathfriland.

She said he shouted out of the window of the car at her and continued to shout at her when she was in the shop.

Keenan later was signalled by police to stop but he drove on and left the scene.

A barrister representing Keenan said his marriage broke down last year and it was a bitter break up. He added that the defendant had been in the family court that day and things were said which he took exception to.

The barrister explained that Keenan accepted he went over to the injured party in the shop and there was a heated exchange.

He added that his client had taken an anger management programme and knew he had to keep a lid on things. Keenan had spent three or four days in custody for the breach and it had been a lesson for him.

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, told the defendant that he should know by now that when the court imposes this order it means what it says.

But he was satisfied Keenan had shown a sufficient degree of remorse.

Judge Copeland added that it was clear to him the defendant had lost his temper after an emotional and stressful appearance in court earlier on this day.

For breaching the non molestation order the judge imposed a conditional discharge for two years and fined Keenan £200, with a £15 offender’s levy for failing to stop for police.