Threw pieces of mortar at police vehicle

Lee Knox, Garvaghy Park, Portadown pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour on May 25 and disorderly behaviour and attempted criminal damage on March 17.

The court heard that on May 25 at 1.30am police spoke to the defendant, who was drunk, in Selshion Parade, Portadown.

On March 17, St Patrick’s Day, at 9.40pm police received a report from the defendant’s mother that he had left the house with a knife and that he was in an agitated state.

Police caught up with him in Lake Street, Lurgan, where he threw mortar at a police vehicle and was using obscenities. He did not have a knife.

A barrister representing Knox said he did not damage the vehicle because it was armoured. He explained his client had been taking alcohol from a young age and needed a bit of help and guidance but did not engage with probation.

District Judge, Mr Peter King, said that by the defendant’s non engagement in preparing a pre-sentence report he was left with no option.

For the first disorderly behaviour offence he imposed a period of custody of two months.

A similar two month period was imposed for the second disorderly offence and he was given three months for the attempted criminal damage.

These two terms are to run concurrently with each other but consecutive with the first sentence making a total of five months in custody.

The defendant’s barrister asked for bail to appeal and Knox was released on his own bail of £500 pending the appeal.