Community service 'was not a chain gang' judge tells Derry man
John Henry Sweet (47) of Duncreggan Road expressed reluctance to accept community service
A judge at Derry Magistrate's Court told a defendant that community service 'was not a chain gang'.
His comments came after John Henry Sweet (47) of Duncreggan Road in Derry admitted a series of offences that occurred on July 25 and expressed reluctance to accept community service.
The court heard that police were called to a drink male causing a nuisance at the train station in the city.
They found Sweet lying on the ground and as there was a strong smell of cannabis from him.
Police carried out a search and found 6 grammes of cannabis in a bag.
During the search Sweet tried to grab the bag police were searching.
As he was being arrested he lunged at an officer and tried to headbutt him.
He was also abusive and shouted despite being warned to cease.
At interview Sweet claimed he found the cannabis and decided to keep it.
A defence barrister said that her client accepted that his behaviour was 'unsavoury'.
She said Sweet had difficulties in life and said he felt he was unable to do community service due to health issues.
District Judge Barney McElholm said that the probation service would take any health issues into account.
He said Sweet had 'a deplorable record' and imposed an enhanced combination order of 18 months probation and 100 hours community service.