Derry man jailed for two disorderly behaviour incidents on the same day

A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court today for two disorderly behaviour incidents on the same day. 

Sean McElhinney (26) of Damien House in Derry admitted the two offences that occurred on May 9 as well as a charge of criminal damage on November 14 last.

The court heard that police were called after CCTV operators observed a fight in John Street and McElhinney was one of the participants. 

During the fight McElhinney was seen trying to get the other party into a choke hold. 

When police arrived they found the defendant with blood on his face and he acted 'aggressively' towards police and had to be restrained.

The court further heard that on November 14, 2022 police were called to Rockmills at 9.50am by the building manager that an intoxicated male was trying to gain access to the building. 

The manager said he knew McElhinney was not a resident of the complex and he had been asked to leave but didn't. 

He then pulled at a door handle aggressively and damaged it causing £60 worth of damage.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that these were serious offences and her client had not calmed down when police arrived. 

She said the defendant had managed to keep out of trouble for a few months. 

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said that the defendant had 'an extensive record'.

She imposed a sentence of six months for the two disorderly behaviour and a sentence of six months suspended for 12 months for the criminal damage.

He was also ordered to pay £60 in compensation for the damage to the door handle.