Derry man convicted of disorderly behaviour

A man has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court for disorderly behaviour outside his stepfathers home.

Gérard Scarlett (40) of Glenabbey Drive in Derry had been convicted of the offence that occurred on July 30 last year.

The court was told that around 5.30pm on that date police were called by the injured party who said his stepson, Scarlett, was outside 'shouting obscenities and making threats'.

When police approached Scarlett he said he was engaging in 'a peaceful protest' and also that he had recorded the footage on his phone.

Police viewed this footage and it gad been given to the court during the contest. 

Defence counsel Fergal McCormick said that while it had been a contest Scarlett had not appeared. 

He said Scarlett had a poor record but suggested something could be left hanging over his head.

Deputy District Judge Sean O'Hare said it was a verbal disorderly with Scarlett 'making a nuisance' of himself. 

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He said while the defendant had not attended the contest he had been convicted of disorderly behaviour and the custody threshold had been passed.

He sentenced Scarlett to 2 months in prison suspended for 12 months.