A Portadown man who damaged the window wiper of a police car and assaulted an officer has been handed community service after gaining “a more stable life”.
The 26-year-old’s barrister told court the defendant had taken in the words of the judge and “no longer associates with the peer group which led him down the path he was previously on”.
Darren Nelson, of Kernan Gardens, appeared for sentencing on offences of assault on police, criminal damage and disorderly behaviour at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Friday.
These occurred on December 8, of last year, with the damage relating to the window wiper of a Skoda belonging to the PSNI.
Sentencing had been deferred in the case, in order to give the defendant a chance to “gain a more stable life”, according to his barrister Conor Lunny.
Mr Lunny commented: “He has taken your worship’s words in, he has found a part time job and is now living with his grandfather.
“He has nothing else pending and has certainly found a more stable life.”
He continued: “He has been honest to a fault with probation, he says he does still indulge in the odd drink but this is on a Friday or Saturday night in the house with his grandfather.
“He no longer associates with the peer group which led him down the path he was previously on.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “I am prepared to consider this sufficiently serious to merit the imposition of a community based disposal.
“But be in no doubt this is that last opportunity you will get.”
Nelson was sentenced to a combination order consisting of 12 months probation and 80 hours community service.
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