Moneymore man tells police '˜f*** off and go catch real criminals'

Roderick Owen McGurk, 48, of Rockview Park, Moneymore, admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour at Desertmartin Road, Moneymore, on June 7.

The court heard that McGurk was a front seat passenger in a car stopped and searched by police under the misuse of drugs act. A PPS lawyer claimed the defendant began acting in a disorderly manner and continued to do so despite a warning to calm down.

Mr Donal Heron, solicitor, explained that McGurk had been out socialising and was being given a lift home.

Mr Heron claimed police had been waiting to see who got into the vehicle before following it. He said the defendant, who had too much alcohol consumed, had been offered a fixed penalty by the police if he would “just keep quiet”.

“Unfortunately he didn’t and he finds himself appearing before the court on this charge,” said Mr Heron.

Imposing the suspended sentence, District Judge Des Perry said he wanted to leave “something over his head” to deter defendant from re-offending.

“With the drink in you lose it,” remarked Mr Perry. “If you stay away from the drink you can stay out of trouble.”