Police called out to '˜fighting females' '¨in Moneymore

Before the court was Lucy Bell, 20, from Glengomna Road, Draperstown, who was placed on probation for 12 months on a disorderly behaviour charge.

A prosecuting lawyer explained that a crowd of around 15 males and females were confronting each other at High Street in the village around 12.20am.

The barrister said there was a lot of shouting going on and police officers spoke to a co-accused who alleged the defendant had assaulted her. She said police then spoke to Bell who made a counter allegation.

Counsel added that when the defendant was later interviewed she denied involvement in the incident.

A defence solicitor said the defendant, who is currently serving a prison sentence, came from “a very unfortunate background” and had served previous terms of imprisonment.

He pointed out that he has tried in the past to impress upon her the consequences of her offending.

District Judge Alan White expressed surprise that Bell has never had assistance from the Probation Service.

He told her that it was up to her to take advantage of the services provided by probation to turn her life around.