Man threw chips at passing police car

Sean McGrogan (23), of Creagh Road, Castledawson, was also placed on probation for 18 months for disorderly behaviour.

A prosecuting lawyer said at 2.50am on December 24 last police were on patrol at Queen Street when they saw the defendant who swore at them and gave a middle finger before throwing food at the car. McGrogan was later arrested.

A defence barrister explained the defendant had been out celebrating Christmas with friends and had consumed too much alcohol. He said McGrogan had a poor recollection of the incident but remembers throwing chips on the roadway as the police were driving past.

The lawyer admitted defendant was in breach of a suspended sentence and pleaded with the court to show him leniency.

“He is a young man in full time employment working 48 hours a week,” he added.

Imposing a combination order, District Judge Oonagh Mullan told McGrogan that she had been mindful to impose a custodial sentence after reading “a very poor pre-sentence report”.

She said she was prepared to give him a final chance given that he was a young man in full time employment.

Describing him as “a nuisance to society”, she warned that if he continued to show a lack of respect to the law she would send him to prison.