Prolific offender given jail term

Shea Reynolds, whose address was given as Drumlin Drive, Lurgan, appeared by way of videolink from Hydebank on Friday, December 19, at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

He admitted unlawful damage to a door on August 8 this year and was sentenced to three months in custody.

Concurrent one month terms were imposed for assaulting a police officer and resisting a constable on September 14.

The court heard that on August 8 Reynolds went into Kebabish in Church Place, Lurgan.

He was drunk and did not order any food. He asked staff to drive him home and then said ‘you f—king Paki’.

Reynolds kicked the front door twice, causing a panel to crack. He tried to run away but fell and was detained by staff.

On September 19 he was arrested on a warrant and outside the custody suite at the police station he tried to use his phone.

Reynolds punched a constable on the forehead and as he was being taken into the custody suite he became aggressive and had to be handcuffed.

A barrister representing the defendant said he had reimbursed the cost of fixing the glass and would apologise to the owner for his behaviour and his words.

He had no recollection of the incident.

He added that on the second occasion drink was the cause and Reynolds had reacted badly to the police.

District Judge, Mrs Bernie Kelly, said a racial motivation was an aggravating feature.

She added that Reynolds was prolific in his offending and there was only one sentence she could impose.