Court hears Ballymena man was using ‘homophobic language’
A court was told a Ballymena man said: "Go on you big gay hit me."
Gregory Fenton (56), of Edward Street, was at Ballymena Magistrates Court for sentencing on charges of disorderly behaviour and three assaults.
A prosecutor said that on July 28 last year the defendant had arrived at an address in the town and pushed a man.
The defendant was then in a street and was "highly aggressive" to a woman. She said she was shoved on the shoulder.
Another woman said the defendant was using "homophobic language towards her".
The prosecutor said the defendant had said: "Are you gay?" and had then added: "Go on you big gay hit me".
When interviewed the defendant said he couldn't remember the incidents due to intoxication.
A defence solicitor said the defendant wished to apologise for the offences.
He said the defendant intends to engage in a rehab course with a "Christian organisation" in the Republic of Ireland.
District Judge Nigel Broderick told the defendant alcohol was "not a defence nor an excuse" for the offences.
The defendant was ordered to do 60 hours of Community Service and was put on Probation.