Teenager verbally abused police officers

A teenager who called police officers “scummy b*****ds” when they asked him to calm down during an incident in Magherafelt town centre, was fined £300 at the local Magistrates Court last Wednesday.
Publican fined at Magherafelt CourthousePublican fined at Magherafelt Courthouse
Publican fined at Magherafelt Courthouse

Matthew Christopher McDonagh (19), of Millview Manor, Dungannon, was also ordered to pay a £15 offender levy on a charge of disorderly behaviour.

Prosecution counsel said at 1.35am on December 20 last, police on foot patrol observed the defendant wearing no top arguing with another male in the Queen Street area of the town.

He said police spoke to him and he told them to “f*** off”, and continued to argue with the male.

Counsel said the defendant was agitated and shouting, calling police “scummy b*****ds” when they asked him to moderate his behaviour.

He added that McDonagh continued shouting and was eventually arrested by the officers.

A lawyer asked the court to give McDonagh credit for his early plea.

He said the incident happened just before Christmas and the defendant had an excessive amount to drink.

The lawyer said that McDonagh is from the Travelling community, and was now trying to stay away “from this level of alcohol”.

Imposing the fine, Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer told McDonagh two years ago he was fined £200 for the same offence in Banbridge, so he would be fined £300 on this occasion.