Man has no recollection of the trouble he caused

He was Lee Haire, Victoria Street, Lurgan, and last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court he was put on probation for 18 months.

Conditional discharges for 18 months were imposed for offences including common assaults and disorderly behaviour on March 5 this year.

The court heard that police were flagged down by door staff outside the Cellar Bar in Lurgan.

Haire had been queuing to get into the bar but became abusive to customers and was told by staff to move on.

He was told he was not getting in and attempted to head-butt one of the staff.

Haire was placed in a police vehicle and as a constable got in he was kicked in the chest area by the defendant.

When interviewed Haire said he had been drinking in a bar that afternoon and had no recollection of what he had done after 10pm.

A barrister representing the defendant said he had issues with alcohol and drugs in the past. She added that Haire had now returned to the family home and had obtained counselling.

District Judge Des Perry said that when he heard the facts he was minded to give the defendant a ‘touch of custody’.

Although the defendant’s behaviour was appalling, the judge added, he said that a pre-sentence report indicated Haire recognised why he got into this bother.

Imposing the probation order Judge Perry added the condition that Haire attended any treatment or counselling programme organised by probation.