A Lurgan man who failed to give his details to police after he misjudged the situation due to his level of intoxication has been handed a £100 fine.
The 33-year-old’s barrister told court his was a classic case of “drinks in, wits out”.
Sean Gerard McConville, of Kilwilke Road, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Wednesday.
It was heard that on March 17, at around 1.40am, police on mobile patrol of William Street in Lurgan observed several males.
Officers watched as the defendant aggressively followed another one of the males and was being held back by another.
They approached McConville, noting that he appeared intoxicated and had a small amount of blood on his cheek.
Police tried to ascertain what was going on but the defendant attempted to leave and refused to give his details.
Officers tried to arrest McConville and his behaviour then escalated.
The defendant had to be restrained and handcuffed before being placed in a police Land Rover.
McConville did then calm down and provide his details to the officers.
Deputy District Judge Brian Archer commented: “If he had just provided his details to the police, he probably would have been just told to move on.”
Defence barrister John McCann stated: “He had been out drinking with friends; it is a classic case of the old phrase once the drink goes in the wit goes out.
“He reacted badly after police had thought he had been in a fight, he instructs me that he was not.”
He added: “Due to the amount of alcohol Mr McConville had consumed he misjudged the situation, he does not have the longest record but there are two relevant entries.”
McConville was ordered to pay a fine of £100, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 18 weeks.
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