‘Last chance saloon’ for defendant

Paul Gerard Curran (26), Glenholme Park, admitted charges of disorderly behaviour and resisting a constable when he appeared last Friday at court.

The court heard that on January 27 this year at 2.40am in Ulster Street the defendant was heard to shout: “I’ll put your f—king door in.”

Curran was unsteady on his feet and was verbally abusive and aggressive. He struggled with police and a number of officers were needed to place him in the police vehicle.

A barrister for the defendant said that he had now got employment as a scaffolder.

He added that Curran had received a suspended sentence and knew he was in the ‘last chance saloon’ and that his liberty was in jeopardy.

The barrister explained Curran had problems with alcohol but he had got help and while working it got him away from idleness in Lurgan.

District Judge Mervyn Bates said rather than adjourn for a pre-sentence report at the minute he would defer sentence until October 24.

He added that the defendant should not commit any further offences and he wanted a letter of confirmation from his employer.

Judge Bates said if Curran did not abide by those terms he would face custody but if he did he would consider suspending the sentence.