Intervened with ambulance staff treating friend

Gary Colin McKinstry, Dingwell Park, Lurgan, was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for two and a half years, last Friday at Craigavon Magistrates Court for disorderly behaviour. He was given a concurrent four month term, also suspended for two and a half years, for assault on the police.

The court heard that at 10.15pm ambulance personnel were dealing with a person at Francis Street in Lurgan when they were approached by the defendant who caused an annoyance.

Police arrived and asked McKinstry to move. He said he just wanted to help his friend.

The defendant then became abusive to police and began shouting and swearing loudly. He then tripped a police officer, causing him to fall.

A barrister representing the defendant said McKinstry had consumed a lot of alcohol and when he found his friend on the ground out of a misguided sense of protection he got involved.

He added that he did not take too kindly to being pushed away and committed a snide trip but his remorse was clear in the pre-sentence report.

District Judge, Mr Desmond Perry, said the worst aspect was interfering with the job of a paramedic and if there had been a charge of assault the defendant would be going straight to prison.

At the same court McKinstry also admitted a number of motoring offences.

For failing to remain at the scene of an accident on February 9, 2013, he was fined £200, ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy, and banned for six months.

He was given a conditional discharge for two and a half years for failing to report, not having insurance and taking a vehicle without the consent of the owner.

The court heard that around 2pm a vehicle crashed into a concrete post in the car park at the Woodville Arms.

McKinstry was identified on CCTV but denied the offences saying he was not the driver.

He added that he did not turn up for a contest but he did accept his guilt.