Man who shouted to cops ‘I’d rather be a Paki than a pig’ was ‘just having the craic’

A man who shouted to police 'I'd rather be a Paki than a pig' later told police that he was ‘just having the craic,’ a court has heard. 34 year-old Colm Glendinning of Sunnyside Drive, Rasharkin appeared before Magherafelt Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with disorderly behaviour. The court heard that on August 9 last year, police were on patrol of Rainey Street car park, Magherafelt when they observed a group of males acting disorderly. Police spoke to the males about their behaviour but then moved back due to hostility which was shown to them. The defendant then made inappropriate comments to the police but officers chose to ignore them, hoping that if defendant didn't get a reaction, he would move on. However Glendinning shouted to police 'I'd rather be a Paki than a pig,' the court heard. After repeating this statement, it was immediately taken up as a chant by the rest of the group. The defendant was arrested and while being questioned, he said to police 'you know how it is, I was just having the craic,’ the court was told. Defence solicitor, Stephen Atherton said: “From the outset, the defendant has asked me to apologise to the court and to the police for his conduct. “You have heard from the prosecution that when he was challenged, he said he was ‘just having the craic.’ In sobriety he sees how grossly offensive his comments were and that was not his intention. I would ask your worship not to make a finding of racial hostility. “While offensive, his comments were devoid of any sectarian comments which are quite typical for these parts.” Mr Atherton added: “This is a very industrious young man who works in the south earning decent money. He has cooperated fully in the preparation of the pre-sentence report and has been accessed as a low likelihood of reoffending.” Speaking directly to the defendant, Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop said: “Your behaviour was disgraceful,” before handing down a two month custodial sentence which he suspended for two years. “If you get into trouble in the next two years, your starting point will be two months,” warned Judge Dunlop. Glendinning was also fined £200 for the offence.