Man shouted '˜I'd rather be a Paki than a pig' at police in Magherafelt

A man who chanted 'I'd rather be a Paki than a pig' at police officers, was given a two-month suspended jail sentence at Magherafelt Magistrates Court today.

Colm Peter Glendinning (24), of Sunnyside Drive, Rasharkin, was also fined £200 for disorderly behaviour in the early hours of August 9 last year.

Imposing the penalties, Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop said it had been “disgraceful behaviour.”

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The court heard that police on duty outside a nightclub in the Rainey Street car park, Magherafelt, spoke to a group of males about their behaviour.

Magherafelt Town Centre - scheduled to receive a revamp.mm03-200arMagherafelt Town Centre - scheduled to receive a revamp.mm03-200ar
Magherafelt Town Centre - scheduled to receive a revamp.mm03-200ar

A prosecuting lawyer said officers then moved back due to hostility and one person, the defendant, began to make inappropriate comments.

She said Glendinning was heard to chant: “I’d rather be a Paki than a pig,” on two occasions and was later arrested.

The barrister claimed the defendant told police, “I was only having a bit of craic, you know how it is.”

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Admitting the offence Stephen Atherton, solicitor, said the defendant wished to apologise to the court and the police for his behaviour on this particular occasion.

Magherafelt Town Centre - scheduled to receive a revamp.mm03-200arMagherafelt Town Centre - scheduled to receive a revamp.mm03-200ar
Magherafelt Town Centre - scheduled to receive a revamp.mm03-200ar

Mr Atherton said Glendinning now accepted that what seemed like a bit of craic to him was not viewed that way by sober police officers.

He pointed out that the defendant was a hardworking young man and he was ashamed and embarrassed by his behaviour.

Suspending the jail sentence for two years, Deputy Judge Dunlop warned Glendinning that if he came back before the court again he could face a prison sentence.