Called police officers ‘scum’

Shane Joseph McRory (36), Beech Court, Lurgan, at a previous court, had admitted disorderly behaviour on March 16 this year.

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

The court heard that police were dealing with an ongoing security situation at Victoria Street when the defendant arrived in a taxi at Levin Road.

McRory got out of the taxi and was heard to say on his mobile phone ‘scum’. He was warned about his language but continued.

Mr Pat Vernon, representing the defendant, said the previous day the Scottish cup final had taken place and his client had started drinking about four o’clock.

He added that McRory continued drinking at a club and in someone else’s house until this happened at 3.30am and he had been drinking for 11 hours.

Mr Vernon said the defendant simply did not remember the incident.

He added that McRory was very embarrassed because he did engage with the police at a local level to prevent anti-social behaviour in the 
area.

Mr Vernon said the words were fuelled by 11 hours of drinking and his client was extremely sorry.

He added that the defendant accepted he got involved in similar matters when he was a younger man but it was three years from his last conviction.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said he was considering a probation order.

He imposed a 12 month probation order with the conditions the defendant attended the managing alcohol programme and the thinking skills programme.