Coleraine man warned to wise up or he will face prison

A COLERAINE man has been warned to 'wise up now or face prison' after he was sentenced to 12 months probation for disorderly behaviour.

By The Newsroom

Published 21st Jan 2010, 13:46 BST

Updated 22nd Jan 2010, 14:45 BST

At North Antrim Magistrates' Court last Wednesday District Judge, Richard Wilson, told the defendant Darren McClements (18) of Somerset Drive, that he was 'collecting suspended sentences like confetti'.

The court heard that on April 24 last year police warned McClements about his behaviour after he was observed shouting abuse at a band parade passing through Killowen Street.

An hour later the police witnessed the defendant making two fingered gestures towards the parade and arrested him.

A solicitor said McClements regretted his actions and said that his difficulties with alcohol led him to have a number of suspended sentences hanging over him, but that he is trying to change his lifestyle.

Mr Wilson told McClements that he was on the brink of going to prison with a number of offences hanging over him.

Coleraine