Man charged with disorderly behavior following confrontation with police
John Paul O'Hagan (42) of no fixed abode was arrested on April 12 after approaching police while they were out on patrol in Waterloo Place
A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court charged with disorderly behavior following a confrontation with police and the court was told that with drink in him the man sought out police.
John Paul O'Hagan (42) of no fixed abode was arrested on April 12 after approaching police while they were out on patrol in Waterloo Place.
O'Hagan was said to have grabbed one of the officers and began swearing at them, refusing to stop when asked.
Police said that he was 'clearly intoxicated' and arrested him for disorderly behavior.
While in a police vehicle, O'Hagan continued to act aggressively, repeatedly spitting while inside.
The court heard that O'Hagan has 74 previous convictions, including a suspended sentence from February this year.
Police objected to bail, calling his bail history 'appalling' and said the defendant had allegedly reoffended days after being given a suspended sentence.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that alcohol was the 'root of all' O'Hagan's problems, telling the court that he had been seeking treatment and had been off the drink until a recent family bereavement.
Bail was denied and he will appear again on May 8.