Further offences will result in prison for Derry woman

A Derry woman who admitted behaving in a disorderly manner has been warned that if she commits any further offences within the next six months an immediate custodial sentence awaits.

Edel McLaughlin, 37, of Seamus Roddy House on John Street, pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly behaviour which took place in Bridge Street on February 5.

Police attended an ongoing disturbance around 11.55pm on that date when they came across McLaughlin who was ‘extremely intoxicated’.  She apologised, was told to go home and walked away without a problem.

A Public Prosecutor said ‘unfortunately she returned a few minutes later’ and became ‘aggressive’ asking officers, ‘what the f***do you want?’  Once again she was advised to go but five minutes later officers received a phone call explaining that McLaughlin had just been ejected from a fast-food outlet.

The defendant then agreed to be taken home by police but proceeded to shout aggressively at officers and refused to exit the vehicle, the PPS representative said.  She was told to moderate her behaviour as there were residents in the area but continued to swear and shout profanities.

The court heard the defendant was in breach of a suspended sentence at the time.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client had been bailed by police at the time and a breach involving alcohol consumption was dealt with separately.  He said that if sentencing was deferred his client would ‘certainly see a doctor’ about any issues.

Deputy District Judge Sean O’Hare said he was mindful that the defendant was more of a ‘nuisance’ than anything else.  He said he didn’t want to defer the sentence for McLaughlin to have ‘a lapse over St. Patrick’s Day and Easter’.

The judge did however opt to defer for a period of six months until September 14, but he warned: “If you’re back for having committed any other offences you will effectively be sending yourself to Hydebank.”