A Lurgan man who told police “I can f****** sleep where I want”after members of the public showed concern for him has been handed a suspended sentence.
The district judge told the 28-year-old, who said he did not have an alcohol problem: “You are either a dry alcoholic or a drinking alcoholic. There is no in-between. It should be obvious to you now that you can’t drink.”
Conal Vincent McKee, of Forest Glade, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on February 23, police were called to a report of a man lying on the ground at a bus stop on the Belfast Road, Magheralin.
When officers arrived, McKee, who was extremely intoxicated, refused to identify himself.
The defendant then began shouting and swearing and this continued despite him being warned against it.
McKee then proceeded to try to sleep and when approached by police he told them: “I can f****** sleep where I want.”
Soon the defendant’s mother arrived. He got into her car briefly before exiting the vehicle and shouting at officers “arrest me”.
Defence solicitor Siun Downey stated: “Himself and his mother are extremely embarrassed. There is one other entry on his record which is relevant.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “His record is peppered with charges which would appear to be alcohol-related.”
Ms Downey said: “This is a man who has been working full time since he was 15. He currently is employed as a cook at a cafe in Lurgan.
“He has attended numerous services to get help with alcohol and since the incident has abstained from alcohol. He instructs that he does not think he has an alcohol problem.”
District Judge Kelly stated: “You are either a dry alcoholic or a drinking alcoholic. There is no in-between. It should be obvious to you now that you can’t drink.
“This only arose because members of the public were concerned for your welfare.”
McKee was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for two years.
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