Man given suspended jail term for ‘pushing constable’

Lee Moore (21), of Innishrush Road, admitted assaulting the officer and disorderly behaviour at Innishrush Road, Portglenone, on July 30 2011.

A PPS lawyer told the court the case had been adjourned to monitor Moore’s behaviour and he had “nothing pending.”

The lawyer explained that the incident arose while police and fire crews were attending a fire at a derelict building.

He said a bottle was thrown at a fire appliance but no damage was caused.

Continuing the lawyer said the defendant appeared shouting and began remonstrating with an officer before pushing him.

A defence lawyer stressed the defendant had not been responsible for throwing the bottle.

He stressed that he has kept out of trouble since the incident, which had been fuelled by drink.

Imposing the suspended term, District Judge Des Perry warned that the courts did not tolerate attacks on emergency services.