Turned on police as they tried to help

Damien James McKernan (32), Woodville Street, Lurgan, admitted disorderly behaviour and obstructing a constable when he appeared last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

A public prosecutor said that at 12.30am two males were fighting on the road in William Street.

Police gave assistance to McKernan who had facial injuries but he began shouting and told them to ‘f—k off’.

He turned his back on police and was shouting incoherently. When he was arrested for disorderly behaviour and handcuffed he said ‘SS RUC’ and ‘RUC b—ds’.

McKernan also gave incomplete details about himself to officers.

He did not require to go to hospital and on the way to the custody suite he continued to struggle with police.

A barrister representing the defendant said he had little recollection of what happened.

He explained that McKernan was assaulted on the night and when help arrived he behaved in a completely unacceptable way.

He apologised to police on the night.

The lawyer added that his client was now seeking professional help and had been off the drink for six weeks.

He was anxious to put the matter behind him.

He said McKernan would apologise through the court for his behaviour.

Sentencing in the case was adjourned until June 3 so that a short sentence report could be obtained.