Court News NI (2025)

07/03/2025

Man received injuries including suspected broken nose after being assaulted in Ballee area of Ballymena

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A BALLYMENA man took part in an attack on a man who suffered injuries including a suspected broken nose in the Ballee area of the town.

The defendant then punched a police officer several times on the head when arrested.

The defendant appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court via video link from prison in relation to charges including assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

On March 31 in 2022 a man was punched three or four times to the face by the defendant who left and returned five minutes later with another man and they kicked and punched the victim.

The other attacker has already been in court.

When arrested the defendant punched a police officer several times on the head and grappled with another officer. Incapacitant spray was used on the defendant.

The defendant had Pregabalin tablets.

DNA from the injured man was found on the defendant's trainers and tracksuit bottoms.

The defendant had recently been convicted of the charges during a contested hearing.

Meanwhile, on January 18 this year the defendant caused criminal damage to an electronic bail monitoring tag.

Sentencing has been adjourned to March 20.

* Full details of this case are available to subscribers of this page.

07/03/2025

Judge tells man to 'stop drinking' and use money to pay fine

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A WOMAN left a bank card behind in a shop in Portadown and it was later used by a Lurgan man to buy £90 worth of goods.

A defence barrister said it had been "utter folly" for Alex McGurgan (27), of Ennis Tarry, to commit the offences and the defendant had drink taken at the time.

The offences were committed on March 13 last year.

The barrister told Craigavon Magistrates' Court the defendant instructed he had been given the card by somebody.

Ordering the defendant to pay £90 restitution and fining him £250, District Judge Michael Ranaghan told him to stop drinking and use the money he saves to pay the fine.

07/03/2025

Belfast man receives 23-year sentence for child abuse offences

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Today, Friday 7th March, at Craigavon Crown Court, 21-year-old Stephen-Lee McIlvenny from west Belfast, has been sentenced to a 23-year custodial sentence for 77 charges of child s*xual abuse crimes, including r**e, adult causing or inciting child between 13 and 16 to engage in s*xual activity and s*xual assault by pe*******on.

He was also placed on the S*x Offenders Register for life and will be subject to a S*xual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years upon release.

McIlvenny befriended each of his victims who were several years younger by identifying common interests. He offended between the ages of 16 and 19, abusing three young boys aged 14-15.

Through an elaborate ruse that he himself was being s*xually abused and was being forced to engage in intimate acts and film them, he blackmailed and coerced his victims until he had absolute control through fear over them. He was in reality never under threat, he was abusing these boys and filming it for his own perverted pleasure.

When they did not comply with his wishes he used the threat of releasing images of them on social media, through these and other methods he maintained their complete compliance. When his victims started to try to distance themselves from his control he assaulted one of them on the street causing significant injuries.

Detective Inspector Nikki Deehan from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Public Protection Branch said: “We welcome today’s sentencing. McIlvenny is a child predator who brutally s*xually exploited his young victims and inflicted long lasting trauma.

“People have an image of a pa******le in their minds but the digital world has warped this and parents need to be aware that perpetrators are getting younger, more tech savvy and extremely manipulative.

“I want to thank the victims in this case for coming forward and bringing this predator before the courts to answer for his heinous crimes.

"They expressed to my team their initial reluctance to confide in anyone or report because of the stigma that they still feel is there towards male victims of s*xual abuse.

“I want to send a message today to any other male victims sitting at home suffering in silence, please report. You will be believed and we will support you in a sensitive manner.

“We cannot let child predators operate under the surface of society anymore, McIlvenny’s offending was uncovered and taken extremely seriously by our criminal justice system. Let that serve as a warning.”

A mother of one of the victims has chosen to release an anonymous statement today saying: “The impact these sick crimes have had on my young son has been profound, affecting all aspects of his life.

“The trauma he has experienced has resulted in difficulty not just forming new relationships but has also impacted current relationships. He understandably finds it hard to trust people now.

“Not only was the abuse my son suffered of a s*xual nature, he was also beaten, leaving him with a bleed on the brain and if members of the public hadn’t of stepped in I dread to think what would have happened. This was all to keep him quiet about the s*xual abuse, terrify him into silence.

“There is still very much a stigma around male victims of s*xual crimes that has made him feel like he has to carry shame. This has led to severe depression and anxiety.

“This is the third year of going through the judicial system to get to sentencing and this has taken its toll on our family. It has consumed us. We hope we can begin to move on now, the sentencing has given us some form of closure.
“I would like to spread awareness that this happens to boys also and that they are more reluctant to speak out. We are always focused and worried for our girls that it’s vital we don’t overlook our boys. More societal support is needed for young boys who have suffered the way my son has.

“I advise other parents to trust your gut always, it serves as an internal warning system. We noticed that his personality was different, he was becoming aggressive and acting out of character. I wish I had acted on those warning signs.

“If you are a young boy who is being targeted and abused don’t be afraid to speak up, you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Don’t keep the secrets of your sick and twisted abuser, it will be the ruination of you.”

Parents/guardians and wider local communities should report any activity, online or physical towards a child that they find concerning. Similarly if you have concerns or suspicions that an adult you know or live with may be engaging in this type of illegal activity report to Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

* This is a PSNI press release.

* Photo: Stephen-Lee McIlvenny.

07/03/2025

Man charged with wounding man and possessing BBQ fork as offensive weapon pleads not guilty

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A MAN accused of wounding a man with intent to do him grievous bodily harm and possessing a 'barbecue fork' as an offensive weapon has pleaded not guilty.

Karl Greenwood (25), originally with a Larne address but now with an address given as Rosetta Way in Belfast, is charged in relation to May 31 last year.

At Antrim Crown Court (pictured) today the case was adjourned.

07/03/2025

Over-the-limit Tandragee motorist was 'on way to vet'

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AN over-the-limit motorist said he had been taking a friend to a vet's because of an ill dog.

The motorist, from Tandragee, was detected after police were told of a vehicle "swerving all over the road" at Malcolm Road in Lurgan around 3pm on February 10 this year.

Craigavon Magistrates' Court was told police spoke to the defendant at Avenue Road in Lurgan. He had an alcohol in breath reading of 61 - the legal limit is 35.

A defence lawyer said the defendant had been drinking the previous night and the next day had been asked by a friend to give him a lift to a vet's because of "quite an ill dog".

The lawyer said the defendant was embarrassed at being in court.

The defendant was banned from driving for a year and was fined £200.

* Full details of this case are available to subscribers of this page.

07/03/2025

Police restrained Lurgan man on motorway hard shoulder to prevent him from potentially darting out in front of traffic

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POLICE officers had to restrain a Lurgan man on the hard shoulder of the M1 motorway to stop him from potentially running out in front of traffic, Craigavon Magistrates' Court was told.

The man admitted charges of assaulting two police officers and being disorderly when he was then taken to Craigavon Area Hospital on Sunday November 10 last year.

The defendant appeared at Craigavon Magistrates' Court via video link from prison.

A prosecutor said that at 5.10am on November 10 Ambulance Service contacted police to say the defendant said he was "suicidal" and was at Lough Road in Lurgan "heading towards oncoming traffic on the M1".

When police arrived a short time later the defendant was in the passenger seat of a parked vehicle on the hard shoulder of the motorway. The driver had stopped to help the defendant.

The defendant was stumbling as he got out of the vehicle and deeming him to be a risk to himself due to his state of impairment, the 'suicidal' report and "fast moving traffic" police took him by the arm.

He attempted to break free and was verbally abusive. He was taken to the ground and handcuffed.

The defendant was "struggling violently" on the hard shoulder and limb restraints also had to be applied.

He twisted the fingers of officers.

When taken to Craigavon Area Hospital the defendant was swearing, screaming, resisting and was threatening police.

At one point due to his "extreme behaviour" he had to be retrained on the floor by two police officers, two paramedics, two nurses and a doctor.

The whole incident from the road side to the hospital lasted around three hours.

A defence barrister said a passing motorist had stopped because the defendant had been "walking on the motorway in a distressed state".

The barrister said police "were obviously concerned that he could step out onto the road or a passing car could hit anyone so they quickly made the decision, because of risk assessment, to get him to the ground, face down, cuff him".

In his "distressed state" the defendant had "reacted badly".

The barrister said it had been a "real mental health episode" but he is now in a "better place".

The defendant was given a five months prison sentence.

* Full details of this case are available to subscribers of this page.

* Photo from Google Maps. The incident is understood to have happened in this area near Lurgan.

07/03/2025

Man sentenced following '£80,000' burglary blitz

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A MAN has been sentenced in relation to a number of burglaries and thefts from rural properties.

Samuel Todd (39), was sentenced for 18 burglaries, 11 thefts, one count of criminal damage and one count of attempted burglary.

At Antrim Crown Court he received a sentence of 4 years and 6 months, half to be served in custody and half on license.

Samuel Todd was arrested on 16th July 2022, following reports of a number of burglaries and thefts from properties in County Antrim between June 2022 and April 2023. The loss to the victims was estimated to be in excess of £80,000.

After the case a PSNI spokesperson said the sentencing offers reassurance that they remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved with criminality.

* This is a PSNI press release.

06/03/2025

Over-the-limit motorist failed to stop for police officer directing traffic and almost crashed into vehicle at scene of earlier collision

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AN over-the-limit motorist failed to stop for police before jamming on the brakes just metres from a vehicle which had been involved in an earlier collision.

Lincoln Do Carmo Lino Martins (22), of Oakfields in Craigavon, was driving in the Ballyhannon Road area of Portadown around 1am on Sunday February 9 this year.

He had the assistance of a Portuguese language interpreter at Craigavon Magistrates' Court.

A prosecutor said police were directing traffic at Ballyhannon Road due to a road traffic collision.

The defendant's vehicle approached and he was directed to turn left but the vehicle proceeded to drive straight on "ignoring police directions and then jumped on its brakes around five metres away from the vehicle that had been involved in the collision".

The defendant had an open bottle of alcohol in a central console cup holder.

The defendant had an alcohol in breath reading of 56 - the legal limit is 35.

A defence barrister said the defendant had been drinking earlier and although there was alcohol in the car he had not had a drink for around an hour or two before the detection.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said: "Pretty stupid to have alcohol in your car, open, in any regard".

The barrister said the defendant has a Brazilian driving licence and had moved here in December to work as a production operative.

The defendant was banned from driving for 14 months and was fined £200.

06/03/2025

Judge asks: 'Why do people think it is sensible to spit in face of police officers?'

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A JUDGE wondered why people think it is "sensible" to spit in the face of police officers who have "batons and guns".

District Judge Michael Ranaghan praised the restraint of police officers in such circumstances.

The judge was speaking at Craigavon Magistrates' Court in connection with a patient who was disorderly at Craigavon Area Hospital and spat in the face of a police officer.

Ruairi Nixon (30), of Drumcoo Green in Dungannon, also spat on the trousers of another officer during incidents on September 14 last year.

He admitted charges of assault on police and disorderly behaviour.

The defendant was acting aggressively in the emergency department at the hospital before spitting at police.

A spit and bite guard was then applied.

A defence lawyer said there had been a concern for safety and police had found the defendant at a roundabout in the Dungannon area. The defendant had then been brought to the hospital.

The lawyer said the defendant is "appalled" at his behaviour.

Judge Ranaghan said: "Why people think it is sensible to spit on people who have batons and guns is beyond me.

"I keep on saying it, the restraint shown by police in this jurisdiction is commendable and probably more than most of us could show in a similar situation but police should never be subjected to this.

"I sit here and say constantly 'If you spit in the face of a police officer you go to prison'. The message needs to get out there: 'If you spit, bite, a prison officer, police officer, anybody like that, you go to prison'."

The defendant was jailed for two months.

06/03/2025

Court orders man to pay back £5,500 to 'vulnerable' victim

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A MAN lied to a "vulnerable" victim that he would pay him back £5,500 whenever a 'claim' came in, a court was told

Details were given to Antrim Magistrates' Court, sitting in Ballymena, regarding a man with an address listed as in Newtownabbey, who was sentenced on a charge of fraud by false representation.

The charge was that between November 2021 and April 2022 the defendant 'dishonestly made false representations, namely, that you would repay monies borrowed'.

A prosecutor said a man told police that the defendant, a "former friend," had obtained £5,500 over a period of time from him.

The defendant had asked for different amounts of money including for taxis, electricity bills and household bills.

The prosecutor said: "The injured party and his family believe the defendant has taken advantage of him because of his vulnerabilities. He has autism and would be considered a vulnerable adult".

The prosecutor added: "The defendant has told the injured party that he had a 'claim' coming in soon and would pay back the money when the claim was settled".

Police contacted the defendant in June 2022 and the defendant said he had already spoken to the PSNI and that he had been told it was a "civil matter," the prosecutor said.

Police systems were checked and it could not be confirmed if that was the case and the defendant was told it was "now being treated as a criminal matter".

The prosecutor said police "let the matter sit for a number of months because the defendant said he was still waiting this claim and that he would pay back the money when it came through but it became apparent there was no claim".

When interviewed in November 2022 the defendant said he met the injured party "in a walking group two years ago".

A defence barrister said the defendant is "genuinely remorseful".

He said the defendant "had been battling a long standing gambling addiction which he has now got the better of".

District Judge Nigel Broderick told the defendant: "It is always a very nasty offence to steal from somebody who is vulnerable but this is aggravated by the sheer amount of money that you took from the vulnerable victim, no less than £5,500.

"I appreciate from the pre-sentence report that this was fuelled by a gambling addiction but that it is little comfort to the person who lost the money".

The judge said he would not jail the defendant as he was working and was in a position to pay the money back.

The defendant was given a five months jail term, suspended for three years, and the judge ordered the defendant to pay £5,500 compensation at a rate of £150 per month.

Judge Broderick warned the defendant: "If you miss any payments you will go to prison for six months".

* Full details of this case are available to subscribers of this page.

06/03/2025

S*x offender breached Court Order by contacting teenage girl on Snapchat

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A MAN who breached a S*xual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) by communicating with a teenage girl on Snapchat was, today, jailed at Ballymena Magistrates' Court.

The man, with an address listed on the charge sheet as in the Randalstown area, committed the offence in June and July last year.

Under the terms of the SOPO, the defendant, a registered s*x offender, was not to have any contact with any person under the age of 18 without prior approval from his designated risk manager.

A prosecutor said "none of the messages were of a s*xual nature".

The SOPO runs until 2032, the court was told.

A defence barrister said the messages contained nothing "sinister" or "nothing of a specific s*xual nature".

District Judge Nigel Broderick said it was a "serious matter" as the defendant had a "very relevant record".

He said the defendant had been at Antrim Crown Court in May 2022 for an "extremely serious offence" when he was made the subject of a ten year SOPO.

The defendant had also breached the SOPO in September 2022.

Judge Broderick said: "These are important conditions because they are aimed at preventing further offences".

The judge handed down a four months prison term for the new offence and activated a four months suspended prison term which the defendant had previously been given for the 2022 SOPO breach which involved staying overnight at a hotel without approval from his risk manager.

The total sentence was therefore eight months in jail.

* Further details of this case are available to subscribers of this page.

06/03/2025

Man is accused of assault and theft of cash and jewellery

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A MAN is accused of assault and the theft of '£500 in cash and jewellery' from an address at Galgorm Road in Ballymena.

The man, of no fixed abode in Ballymena, allegedly committed offences on January 16 this year.

He appeared at the town's Magistrates' Court via video link from prison on Thursday. He was further remanded in custody and the case was adjourned.

* Further details are available to subscribers of this page.

06/03/2025

Man who had been accused of making threats to kill on Christmas Day has charges withdrawn

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A MAN who had been accused of making threats to kill on Christmas Day last year has had the charges withdrawn on the basis that a two year Restraining Order is put in place, a prosecutor told Ballymena Magistrates' Court.

Noel McLaughlin (40), formerly from Cushendall but with an an address listed as no fixed abode, appeared at the court via video link from prison.

Charges of 'domestic abuse' between Christmas Eve and December 30 were also withdrawn.

The defendant pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage by spitting in a police cell van on December 30 last year.

The defendant, who had spent nine weeks in prison on remand on the charges, has now been given a one month prison term on the criminal damage charge.

As part of the Restraining Order the defendant is not to go within 100 metres of an address in Cushendall.

* Photo: Ballymena Court.

06/03/2025

Man (61) sentenced for 'controlling prostitution'

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A 61-year-old man was sentenced today for human trafficking, controlling prostitution for gain, s*xual assault, paying for s*xual services and drugs-related offences, including being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug.

Derek Brown, appearing before Craigavon Crown Court, was sentenced to six years, half to be served in custody and half on licence.

Afterwards, Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly, from the Police Service’s Organised Crime Branch, said: “The defendant was suspected of trafficking females in the Belfast area for s*xual exploitation. He would supply them with drugs, using this as a means of controlling them.

“Our investigation, which began in March 2021, found vulnerable young women, who were regularly reported missing, being repeatedly located in Brown’s home. Here, they were found under the influence of drugs.

“Brown was suspected of exploiting four young women, whom he controlled by supplying them with drugs in return for meeting with s*x buyers. He himself also engaged in s*xual acts with the women.”

Detective Inspector Miskelly continued: “The females were, understandably, initially not willing to provide statements, some of them seeing the defendant as a father-type figure.

“It was following the tragic death of one of the girls that this changed.

“The courage of the young women who have spoken up is truly inspirational, and in stark contrast to the appalling actions of Derek Brown."

She added: “Working closely with the Public Prosecution Service, Brown was convicted last September for 12 offences, and today has been held accountable. While nothing can undo his past actions and their unimaginable impact on victims and their loved ones, I can only hope that we can encourage any individual who has suffered to come forward.

“I’m asking anyone who has been abused, or is being abused, to take the first step and speak to us. I promise we will treat you with the sensitivity and respect you deserve. We will listen to you, and we will help you.

“I’m also asking others to be mindful of the tell-tale signs of human trafficking. We will have a part to play, and if you see or hear any activity that causes you concern, please contact us on 101.”

“In an emergency call 999; 101 in a non-emergency; or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.”

Tell-tale signs that someone is a victim of modern slavery vary depending on the type of exploitation, but there are things to look out for which are common across all forms of modern slavery. These include:

Someone who can’t produce their passport or personal documents
Someone who is unsure of their home address or the local area
Someone who is distrustful of authorities as traffickers may have told victims that police will be violent towards them
Someone who has no access to medical treatment
Someone who appears to be under the control of others or always has someone else speak on their behalf
An over-crowded house or flat with a regular turnover of new occupants
Someone who may not have cash as they don’t get to keep the money that they earn

Visit the Human Trafficking page on the Police Service of Northern Ireland website for more information on the signs to look out for: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/modern-slavery-and-human-trafficking

* This is a PSNI press release.

06/03/2025

Judge says shoplifting is 'major problem' and jails he**in addict for four months

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A JUDGE said shoplifting is a major problem for retail outlets as he sentenced a he**in addict who stole £182 worth of meat and alcohol from Sainsbury's in Ballymena to four months in jail.

District Judge Nigel Broderick was speaking at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

A man with an address in Ballymena, took the items on January 21 this year.

He appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court via video link from prison.

The defendant had removed security tags from bottles of spirits and placed them into a carrier bag along with the meat and left the store without offering any payment.

The goods were not recovered.

A defence barrister said the defendant had a "long-standing he**in addiction".

Judge Broderick said the defendant had 55 previous convictions.

He said that was being driven by addiction issues.

The judge said it had not been an "inconsequential theft" and added: "There are far too many incidents of defendants entering premises and stealing goods. Any owner of a shop will tell you that theft is a major problem in terms of trying to meet profits".

* Full details of this case are available to subscribers of this page.

06/03/2025

Woman (24) is accused of arson in Larne

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A 24-YEAR-OLD woman is charged with arson endangering life with intent has been further remanded in custody and her case has been adjourned to April 3 to fix a date for a Preliminary Enquiry - the legal step to send the case to the Crown Court.

The woman, from Shanlea Drive in Larne, is charged in relation to, according to the charge sheet, a fire at the kitchen at her address, on September 10 last year.

The charge is that 'without lawful excuse destroyed by fire certain property, namely the kitchen ... intending to destroy such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed and intending thereby to endanger the life of yourself and neighbours in adjoining apartments'.

She is also charged with having a knife in a public place - Shanlea Drive - 'without good reason or lawful authority'; possession of what is described on her charge sheet as 'M**h' and possession of Diazepam.

On Thursday, she appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court via video link from prison.

* Full details of this case are available to subscribers of this page.

06/03/2025

Jail for drug addict who spray-painted ATM machine in Ballymena and threatened woman that he would 'shoot her in the face'

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A DRUG addict who caused criminal damage to an ATM machine in Ballymena and then threatened a woman that he would shoot her in the face, has been jailed.

The man, with an address listed as in Ballymena, also told the woman he would get the "IRA" to shoot her.

The defendant also spray-painted graffiti including 'UVF' and 'IRA' on December 11 last year.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman; and causing criminal damage to - an ATM belonging to 'Nationwide', a window and wall of the AIB Bank, and a door belonging to AXA Insurance.

An initial charge of 'threat to kill' was withdrawn and was replaced with a charge of behaving in a 'threatening and abusive manner which would be likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm' and the defendant also pleaded guilty to that new charge.

The defendant appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday via video link from prison.

A prosecutor said police received a reports of a spate of incidents in Ballymena town centre.

The prosecutor said that "strangely" 'UVF' and 'IRA' has been sprayed.

The court was told the defendant approached a member of the public and threatened to shoot her in the face and he also said he would "get the IRA to shoot" her.

The court was told the whole front of the ATM, which was put of action, had to be replaced at a cost of £1,750.

The defendant had 110 previous convictions.

A defence barrister said the defendant had a "very serious drug addiction".

He said the defendant left school with ten GCSEs but after being addicted to gambling he then had a "very serious drug addiction" which has "plagued his life".

The barrister said the graffiti incidents happened because "when he is under the influence he acts completely irrationally".

The barrister said the defendant had been going to to the bank to "try and sort out his benefits" but was "under the influence" and his "behaviour was very bizarre, concerning and alarming".

The barrister said the defendant regretted what he had done and wished to apologise.

District Judge Nigel Broderick said they were "serious" incidents.

Regarding the "assault on an innocent bystander who is going by" the judge told the defendant "no doubt she would have been extremely traumatised by the threats you made against her".

The defendant was jailed for eight months.

* Full details of this story are available to subscribers of this page.

* Photo: The damaged ATM machine at the Nationwide in Ballymena. Picture by Court News NI.

05/03/2025

Judge says misuse of 999 service is 'significant offence'

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A JUDGE said people making persistent non-emergency calls to the 999 number is a "significant offence".

District Judge Michael Ranaghan was speaking at Craigavon Magistrates' Court which was told Owen McEvoy (61), of Victoria Street in Lurgan, made 27 calls to the 999 service on December 23 last year.

The defendant pleaded guilty to a charge of persistent improper use of a communications network.

The defendant was told not to make any calls unless there was a "real emergency" but he continued to call.

When interviewed, the defendant said he had been on a "drinking binge".

A defence barrister said in sobriety the defendant is law-abiding.

Judge Ranaghan said: "This is a very significant offence. It diverts the emergency services from people who actually genuinely need them".

He noted the defendant, who had a previous record, has made contact with Community Addictions services.

The judge deferred sentence until November and said there should be no further offending and he wanted the defendant to be working with Community Addictions.

Judge Ranaghan said if that was not the case the defendant could be expecting at least nine months in jail.

Court News NI

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