Defender warned to expect prison unless he amends behaviour

Brendan Anthony McGrattan (26), Charlestown Village, Derrytrasna, admitted disorderly behaviour at William Street in Lurgan on May 23.

Sentence in the case was deferred until November 21.

The court heard that police saw two males squaring up to each other. McGrattan, who was agitated and aggressive, was shouting at people up the street saying ‘f—king c--ts’.

He was arrested for disorderly behaviour and as he was taken into custody he continued to shout obscenities.

McGrattan had received an eight month suspended sentence which was changed to probation on appeal but the probation order was revoked and replaced by a suspended sentence.

A barrister for the defendant said that he had reduced his alcohol intake on learning that he is to become a father.

He added that McGrattan for the first time had ‘wised up’ to the realities of what he has to do to be at the birth of the child and not serving a custodial sentence.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said the pre-sentence report indicated McGrattan had reported he was attending his doctor but there was very little else to support a change in attitude. He had a history of non compliance with probation orders.

Deferring sentence for three months Judge Bates told the defendant there should be no further offences and he should not come to the attention of the police.

Judge Bates also wanted a letter from McGrattan’s doctor.

He warned him he could be facing immediate custody and the implementation of the suspended sentence.

“It is your final opportunity to see if you can amend your behaviour,” said Judge Bates.