Police called to report of woman 'going mad' shouting abuse at Magherafelt residents, court told

Colleen Denvir, aged 42, from Sperrin Drive, Magherafelt, faces charges including disorderly behaviour, assault on police and criminal damage arising out of incidents on July 19, August 24 and September 25 last year.

Deferring sentence until January 27 next, District Judge Conor Heaney warned Denvir that her freedom was “hanging by a thread” and he could send her into custody for nine-months.

He told her to pay compensation totalling £166.30 to the PSNI in respect of spitting in two cell vans.

Judge Heaney said when he first adjourned the case he expected Denvir to go to Probation and she didn't.

“That has very significant consequences in a case like this as the court cannot without a report explore options to deal with you to stop you reoffending,” he said.

Prosecuting counsel said on July 19 last, Denvir was reported to police as “going mad” at Leckagh Walk in Magherafelt.

She said the defendant was shouting abuse at local residents and tried to kick one of them. Counsel said she was “brought to the ground” by the police where she was handcuffed.

She was shouting “UDA scum” and “RUC scum” while on the ground and repeatedly scratched a police constable, she said.

On August 24, the defendant entered a property in Ballymena and became aggressive towards police when they arrived and refused to leave the property.

The lawyer said she kicked out at a constable and was abusive and attempted to engage police and had to be restrained.

Continuing, the prosecutor said on September 25 police were made aware of the defendant shouting abuse at people in a public place and was arrested.

A defence lawyer said the facts were “very unsavoury” and speak to the condition she was in when police arrived and had to deal with her.

He explained she had been going through a difficult time in her life and it was clear she was drinking far too much.