An Armagh teenager who failed to complete his community service hours which he was ordered to undertake for an offence of disorderly behaviour has been ordered to pay a fine of £400.
Court previously heard that during the relevant offence, the 19-year-old was located dishevelled and wearing no top following a report of a number of males fighting in the city centre.
Leon Grimley, of Callanbridge Park, appeared on foot of breaching a community based order at the Armagh Magistrates’, sitting at Newry, via videolink from his solicitor’s office.
Court heard that the defendant had 79 of the 100 hours community service, which he was sentenced to in January of last year, still left to complete.
Probation sought to have the matter revoked and for Grimley to be resentenced on charges of disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest.
A previous court heard that on August 18, of 2019, police were called to a report of a number of males fighting in Armagh city centre.
Officers arrived and identified the defendant as one of the individuals involved but he ran off.
A description of Grimley was circulated and he was later found at the rear of the Charlemont Hotel. He was described as being dishevelled and wearing no top.
The defendant was told to sit down on a step whilst the police awaited the arrival of the first officers on the scene of the original incident.
Grimley attempted to leave the area and told police: “I have done nothing wrong.”
Officers had to grab the defendant by both arms; he attempted to resist and had to be arrested.
He was later released into the care of his mother who attended the scene.
Speaking on Tuesday, defence barrister Scott McWhinney stated: “Lockdown meant that a lot of the hours could not be completed. However, probation are not wrong in saying they made a number of attempts.
“He has since moved in with his grandparents. He instructs that he attended the shop at which he was to carry out community service on a number of occasions to find it closed.”
He added: “He is living with his grandparents, they are in their 60s. They were not shielding in any way but he does assist in groceries and assists in meal prep.
“He has been working as a bricklayer for his father but that work has dried up. He is deeply sensitive of the situation he has placed himself in.”
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer stated: “I am satisfied this is a young man with no relevant criminal record. He had taken a lot of alcohol but there are a substantial number of hours not done..”
The order was revoked and Grimley was resentenced to pay a fine of £400, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 26 weeks.
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