Man is bound over to keep the peace

Damien Crawley (35), from Creggan Heights, denied the offence at Circular Road on November 3, but was found guilty and was bound over to keep the peace and fined £200. He was also banned from “confrontational and aggressive behaviour” towards police officers.

CCTV depicting Crawley’s behaviour was shown. All other evidence in the case was agreed.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client contested the charge on the basis that it was not disorderly behaviour, however, the court heard CCTV footage was captured by police showing Crawley standing in front of a police vehicle, blocking it as it tried to leave. He used a jumper to cover his face.

It was alleged that, as the police tried to usher Crawley away, there was a distinct nudge towards an officer by the defendant. The CCTV showed other people making gestures towards police and someone throwing a petrol bomb after them as they left.

Mr MacDermott said his client could have been charged with obstructing or resisting police and the incident occurred outside Crawley’s front door and he did not go out looking for trouble.

Crawley declined to give evidence.

Convicting Crawley, District Judge Paul Copeland said there was strong evidence to suggest Crawley was part of a confrontational and contentious group trying to stop police restoring order and had demonstrated open animosity towards police.