St Patrick's Day troublemaker told to '˜grow up' by judge
Conrad Martin Sheerin’s four-month prison sentence was suspended after a judge was told he came from a “hard-working, hard-playing culture”.
The 25-year-old, from Foreglen Road in Dungiven, Co Londonderry, was arrested during trouble on March 17 last year.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBelfast Magistrates’ Court heard police on patrol in the Holylands district to deal with public disorder surrounding the annual celebrations spotted him apparently fighting with another man.
It was claimed that Sheerin then broke off and ran towards Carmel Street.
He tried to get away from a pursuing policeman by punching out, the court heard.
They both fell to the ground before Sheerin got back up and headed for Stranmillis Embankment where he was stopped again.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe PSNI constable who gave chase sustained an injury to his knee.
Sentencing on charges of assault on police and resisting arrest had been deferred to see if Sheerin complied with a previously imposed probation order.
Defence counsel Liam McStay argued that a positive report had been prepared on his client, who he described as working at a high level as a civil engineer.
District Judge Fiona Bagnall said the behaviour was “at odds” with Sheerin’s professional background.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAgreeing with her assessment, Mr McStay accepted his client has a lot to lose.
He added: “It’s a hard-working, hard-playing culture, this is the Holylands on St Patrick’s Day.”
Imposing a four-month sentence on Sheerin, Mrs Bagnall suspended the term for 18 months.
She said: “He’s getting too old for this type of behaviour, he’s 25 now and a professional.
“He really needs to grow up.”