Community service for man who turned on police officers

Damien James McKernan (32), Woodville Street, Lurgan, admitted disorderly behaviour and obstructing a police officer on February 22 this year.

The case had been adjourned from a previous court for a pre-sentence report. McKernan was put on probation for 12 months and given 100 hours community service.

The court heard that at 12.30am police saw two men fighting in William Street, Lurgan, and went to give assistance to the defendant who was on the ground.

McKernan then became aggressive towards them. Due to his level of aggression, he had to be taken to the ground and handcuffed.

He continued to be abusive and this went on in the same vein in the custody suite. He refused to provide his details.

A solicitor representing McKernan said he had issues concerning alcohol and had gone to seek help. He added that it was an incident in which he came off the worse.