Lurgan man who shouted abuse and swore at police was 'dim and stupid', says district judge
A Lurgan man who used “unsavoury” language during an incident with the police has been fined by Craigavon Magistrates Court.
John McGuigan, 32, whose address was given as Elmwood Close in Lurgan, appeared in court charged with disorderly behaviour.
The court heard that on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 00.40, police were attending an incident in the vicinity of Church Place in Lurgan.
It was reported that the defendant shouted at the police “Ireland is for Irish people” and “You are not from here. This is f****ng Ireland.”
The defendant continued to be disruptive towards the police, shouting “You gave guns to the UDR”.
He was advised by the police that his behaviour was disorderly and to tone down his language, to which he was reported to have responded: “Arrest me, I don’t give a f**k.”
A defence lawyer told the court: “His language was unsavoury and certainly not welcome.
"He was intoxicated. His behaviour was unacceptable.
"He wasn’t overly aggressive. What he is saying is unacceptable and he does swear loudly and that certainly is disorderly.
"He has been engaging with probation and has completed an addiction prevention programme.
"He is contrite about this. He is embarrassed.”
District Judge Michael Ranaghan, who referred to the defendant as “dim and stupid”, said: “You are lucky the police these days show a very tolerant attitude to this type of behaviour.”
Mr Ranaghan imposed a fine of £250, as well as an offender’s levy of £15. He allowed the defendant 16 weeks to pay the fines.