An Armagh man who assaulted a police officer after stealing a jacket from a local store has been fined.
Court heard the 44-year-old, who appeared with a clear record, had no memory of the incident due to his intoxication.
Kestutis Dembinskas, of Abbey Lane, pleaded guilty to assault on police, disorderly behaviour and theft at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on August 18, at around 4pm, police were called to the rear of the Charlemont Arms Hotel in Upper English Street, Armagh.
The defendant was aggressive towards officers who wished to question him with regards to the theft of a leather jacket from New Look, which was in his possession.
Dembinskas shouted and swore at police who approached him.
He then tried to strike one officer with his first and attempted to headbutt another.
The defendant had to be taken to the ground before he was arrested.
Police were later informed by New Look that the jacket was not fit for resale and cost £32.99.
At Dungannon Custody Suite during interview, Dembinskas claimed that he could not remember the incident.
Defence barrister Kevin O’Hare informed the court that the defendant had lived in Northern Ireland since April 2016.
He stated: “This was shameful and disgraceful behaviour. He was extremely intoxicated and was making a nuisance on the street when the police had the misfortune of meeting him.
“He has no record. This is an aberration for Mr Dembinskas. He is now dealing with his alcohol problem by taking a medication which prevents him drinking.”
District Judge Paul Copeland said: “I give you credit for your clear record and guilty plea. This would appear to be out of character given you age and history.”
Dembinskas was ordered to pay a fine of £225, along with offender’s levy of £15, within 10 weeks.
In addition, he was ordered to pay £32.99 in compensation for the jacket to New Look.
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