French Foreign Legion trainee shouted Tiocfaidh ár lá at police in Coalisland

James Gillen, 22, from Millbrook Drive, appeared at Dungannon Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

The court heard how the offences occurred after police were called to investigate an unrelated incident at Lambfield Court in the town on August 21.

Gillen, who was outside a house at the time, told police he was looking for his girlfriend and became aggressive towards them. As his level of aggression escalated, the defendant pushed a police officer in his chest with both hands, causing the officer to fall backwards.

When police tried to restrain him, he resisted their efforts, refusing to allow himself to be arrested for causing disorderly behaviour.

The court was told by prosecuting counsel that Gillen began shouting at police, telling them to ‘f**k off’, and shouting the Republican slogans ‘Tiocfaidh ár lá’ and ‘Up the IRA’.

More police had to be called, before Gillen could be arrested and brought to the local police station.

Judge John Meehan ordered that pre-sentence reports should be carried out on Gillen before determining the punishment for the offences.

His solicitor made an application for legal aid. Judge Meehan adjourned the case for two weeks until April 12.