‘One final chance’ is given to aggressive defendant

Stephen Thomas Dickson (24), Golf Terrace, Banbridge, admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour on December 28.

He was sentenced to six months in custody, suspended for two years.

The court heard that at 2.45am, a police patrol in Scarva Street saw the defendant who pulled the hood of his jacket over his face.

He became extremely aggressive and launched a foul-mouthed diatribe.

Dickson’s solicitor said his client apologised for his behaviour and that he had consumed some drink. He explained the defendant had mental health issues and overreacted in certain situations, but he realised he could not continue with this sort of behaviour

Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes said Dickson had a record for this sort of offending and it had been going on for years. He pointed out the defendant had been fined, received community service and put in prison but none of it worked.

The judge gave Dickson one final chance and suspended the prison term.