A 63-year-old Portadown man has appeared in court charged with disorderly behaviour.
As Noel Greer, of Armagh Road, entered the dock at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, District Judge Bernie Kelly questioned: “Is he not a bit on the senior side to be engaging in this sort of behaviour?”
The defendant pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour and tampering with a motor vehicle on April 26.
The court heard that at around 11.40am, police received a report from a member of the public that a male had grabbed at the handle of his vehicle on the Armagh Road in the town.
The injured party had witnessed the defendant approach several other cars and as Greer walked up to his vehicle he locked the door.
When the defendant relaised the door was locked he began shout expletives at the driver.
Greer then told the injured party “get out of the car and hit me so I can get a claim”. It was at this point the driver moved on.
In interview the defendant admitted to trying to obtain a lift into town, adding “sometimes people give me a lift”.
However, Greer denied shouting and swearing at the injured party.
Judge Kelly said that “his legal knowledge is certainly there” given that he knew if he got hit he would get a claim.
Defence solicitor Joe McDonald stated Greer had “no filter” and believed that he had muttered those comments “under his breath”.
The judge said she would defer Greer’s sentencing for six months, adding “age or no age, difficulties or no difficulties this is a public nuisance”.
Greer was warned that he must desist from trying to obtain lifts and if police have any reason to speak to him before December 5 he will be “spending Christmas in Maghaberry”.
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