Judge tells Dromore man to ‘get a grip on life and get on with it’

Mr Copeland made his comments when he sentenced Roy Davis (23) of Barban Heights to two years on probation with a condition he attends an alcohol counselling treatment programme.

The court heard how on 31 May, Davis turned up drunk at his mother’s house, shouting abuse at her and refusing to go home.

Police received a 999 call from the mother of Roy Davis saying her son had appeared intoxicated along with a female and was refusing to go home.

Davis was heard shouting at both his mother and police saying, “I know my f***ing rights.”

He refused to listen to advice from police asking him to move on.

On Thursday Davis’ solicitor told the court that her client was accompanied by a youth worker.

The solicitor said this youth worker had provided help and support in the past and this continued. Mr Copeland asked as to the nature of the support and was told that Davis meets with the youth worker in the evenings and weekends and participates in baking, knitting and receives general support.

Mr Copeland said, “One wonders if it comes to the bit will she visit him in prison.”

The Judge said Davis had a “significant record” and had defied community service in the past.

He said, “Probation don’t trust him to do the hours because of his indulgent abuse of alcohol.”

Hr addressed Davis in the dock and said, “You have had your hand held and supported by many people in the past but you persist in self destruction with alcohol abuse which interferes with life in Dromore.

“When police arrived you offered an aggressive response and foul abuse. Then you show up in court wringing your hands saying you have a problem.

“He has not done a day’s work in his life. You need to get a grip on life and get a job and go about an ordered life. But don’t expect people to mop your brow and gather you up.

“You will have to attend Probation meetings for two years. If you intend to make a career out of showing up here repeatedly and convicted of offences, then you will end up going to prison.

“You are being given a chanceDromore here. Get on with it. Try a day’s work it might help too.”