Hurled abuse at police

David Thompson from Millbank View, Corbet was placed on probation for 18 months with a strict warning that as a condition of the order he must engage actively in alcohol counselling.

District Judge Mr Paul Copeland stressed that if Thompson does not comply with this stipulation then the order will be revoked and he will be re-sentenced.

The court heard how police were on patrol on 13 July at the Scarva parade round 2pm where hundreds of people were present. Thompson was standing on a grassy area beside a police car when he started shouting "black b******s."

He was waving his arms and was highly intoxicated and police observed there were a number of young girls standing beside him on the bank.

Thompson was warned about his behaviour but continued shouting abuse until he was arrested. He then shouted, "Up the UDA" while families and onlookers watched.

factor

Barrister Miss Murray said her client apologised for his behaviour which he accepted was deplorable. She stressed alcohol was an aggravating factor - in fact Thompson has been an alcoholic for ten years.

She said Thompson has taken steps to address this problem including taking medication and attending the addiction unit.

However Miss Murray conceded, "The fact this was aggravated by alcohol doesn't take away from the seriousness of it."