Man found sleeping in takeaway is fined

A BALLYMONEY man who police found asleep in a takeaway in the town has been fined.

Clifford Craig (48) of Glenmore Gardens appeared before North Antrim Magistrates Court in Coleraine on Friday to plead guilty to a charge of disorderly behaviour.

A prosecutor told the court police were called to a takeaway on March 12 after staff reported a man sleeping on a bench in the premises.

Police woke him and escorted him from the takeaway.

The prosecutor said police offered Craig a lift home which he declined.

The court was told that when the police officers got into their vehicle Craig opened a door and grabbed one of the officers by their stab vest.

He then snatched a police radio and began hurling abuse at the officers, the court heard.

He was taken to Coleraine Police Station as a result.

A defence solicitor said it had been the first time in five years his client had been in trouble with police.

He said his client had taken medication on the morning of the incident, and that combined with alcohol later in the day, had caused Craig to "black out or pass out".

"He apologises for his language to police and his behaviour," said the defence solicitor.

"He didn't cover himself in glory."

Addressing Craig, District Judge Richard Wilson, said: "The police were actually quite charitable to you and offered you a lift.

"You lacked the wit to accept it.

"Perhaps you should drink less or not at all."

Craig was fined 200.

"Get that paid off and don't be back," said Mr Wilson.

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