A man who told the police to “f*** off” after being “tired and frustrated” has been fined £200.
Court heard that the 27-year-old was approached by officers after they believed at the time he had suspiciously sped away from their vicinity.
Tiarnan Paul Duffy, of Bells Row Court, Lurgan pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Court heard that on October 4, at around 9.15am, police on patrol in the Lurgan area observed a Volkswagen Golf, driven by the defendant, speed off.
Officers followed the car to Bells Row Court.
As they approached the vehicle Duffy started shouting at them “why were you following me?”
When told to calm down the defendant began to swear. This continued despite Duffy being warned numerous times.
Court heard the defendant told the police to “f*** off” several times.
Duffy was subsequently cautioned and made no reply.
Defence solicitor Pat Vernon explained that the defendant had just dropped off his children at school following a 12-hour shift at work when he was followed by police.
He commented that Duffy’s reaction was born out of “tiredness and frustration”.
In addressing the speed at which the defendant took off Mr Vernon stated: “Mr Duffy was coming from a junction on to the main road and so had to be travelling at speed.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “There may not have been a reason for him to be stopped, but he certainly gave them one didn’t he.”
Duffy was ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 10 weeks.
