Man asked police for a lift home from KFC

A man who asked police for a lift home from the KFC before becoming aggressive and telling them “it’s no wonder you end up the way you do getting blown up”, appeared at Magherafelt Magistrates Court last Wednesday.
Publican fined at Magherafelt CourthousePublican fined at Magherafelt Courthouse
Publican fined at Magherafelt Courthouse

Twenty-four-year-old Darren Joseph O’Neill from Leitrim Road, Castledawson, admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour at the restaurant at Castledawson Roundabout on February 15.

Adjourning the case until May 6, District Judge Oonagh Mullan said she wanted O’Neill to engage again with the Probation Service and warned him to keep appointments.

Prosecution counsel said the defendant approached police when they arrived at the restaurant around 3pm with his fists clenched and chest puffed out.

Police took him outside and decided to wait around as the defendant had gone back inside the restaurant, the lawyer continued.

She said the staff did not want him on the premises and as police approached him he called them “f***** dickheads” and when he was warned in relation to his behaviour, he told officers to “f*** away off” in the presence of families with young children.

Admitting the offence Stephen Atherton, solicitor, said the defendant’s behaviour was a result of intoxication.

Mr Atherton said O’Neill hoped to start a new job in the near future and asked the court to consider a probation disposal as “he has not yet received benefits from it”.