Derry Court: Man interfered with police trying to save other man's life
Police were trying to hold on to a man threatening to jump into River Foyle
Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how as police were trying to hold on to a man threatening to jump into the River Foyle 'a clown' interfered and obstructed police.
Ben Sweeney (21) of Rockmills in Derry admitted a charge of obstructing police on July 6 last year.
The court heard that at 4.10am police were present at Queen's Quay where a man had climbed the railings by the river and was threatening to jump.
Police managed to hold on to this person when Sweeney arrived on the scene and tried to get between police and the person threatening to jump.
Police were struggling to hold on to the person and Sweeney continued to try and interfere claiming the person was his brother.
More police arrived on the scene but one of them had to try and keep Sweeney away.
He was warned on numerous occasions to stop but refused and was arrested.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott his client was 'a complete nuisance'.
He said that the man threatening to jump was not Sweeney's brother and 'fortunately' police did not let him go.
The solicitor said that the incident 'had absolutely nothing to do with Sweeney'.
District Judge Barney McElholm said it was 'ridiculous, oafish behaviour' and called Sweeney a clown for obstructing police as they were trying to prevent someone self harming.
Sweeney was fined £400.