Probation for man who 'took offence' to a poppy being worn by a police officer

A man charged with disorderly behavior and obstruction of police at Altnagelvin Hospital after Derry Magistrates' Court was told he 'took offence' to a poppy being worn by a police officer, has been given probation.

Shane Doherty (27) of Clon Dara in Derry was charged with the offences that occurred on November 8 last year.

Police were initially in the hospital dealing with another matter and found Doherty outside in an ambulance bay shouting and swearing.

Police brought him inside to treat a head wound and Doherty began shouting at an officer due to the poppy he was wearing, including calling him a number of slurs.

Doherty was arrested and tried to run from police while handcuffed before being caught again.

Defence Barrister Graine McAnaney said that Doherty did not accept the language that he was said to have used, claiming that he didn't use any slurs.

She said that he has had a 'very tumultuous' life, struggling with his mental health and addiction issues but said that the last six months have been like 'night and day'.

She said that Doherty has shown that he can be a productive member of society and has essentially turned his life around.

District Judge Conor Heaney said that the court had been 'swayed' by a letter from the defendant's mother and he was given 18 months probation.