Disorderly man spat on the head of a police driver

Twenty-three year old Patrick Brian McKerr, Castle Lane Mews, Lurgan, admitted disorderly behaviour and assault on a police officer on October 26 last year.

He was given a combination order of 12 months’ probation and 100 hours of community service.

The court heard that shortly after midnight in Market Street, Lurgan, McKerr was causing a disturbance after he was refused entry to the International bar.

He became aggressive towards the police, and was arrested.

When he was put in the rear of the police vehicle, he spat at the driver, and the spittle landed on his head and neck.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said the defendant had a short but significant record.

A barrister representing McKerr said he now does craftwork and had acquired those skills while he was in custody.

She added that a pre-sentence report indicated that he was suitable for probation and he and his family felt he would benefit from probation.

The barrister told the court that McKerr had not touched alcohol since January and had been attending AA meetings in trying to address his problems.

She said that he was in a relationship. His first child was due later in the year, and this was an incentive for him to stay out of trouble.

There were a lot of positives in his life.

Judge Bates said McKerr was involving himself in a business, getting grants and he hoped that this succeeded.

However, he added, it was a nasty incident aggravated by the spitting.