Scuffles with police in Derry street led to 'public order incident that got out of hand'

Five people have been dealt with at Derry Magistrate's Court for their involvement in what a judge described as 'a public order incident that got out of hand'.

All five were convicted for their part in an incident in Chamberlain Street in December 19 2021 which saw scuffles with police although District Judge Barney McElhom said all the assaults were 'pushing only'.

The five are Kieran Gallagher (47) of Creggan Heights who was charged with 4 counts of assaulting police and disorderly behaviour, James Devine (22) of Synge Court who faced a disorderly behaviour charge, Laura Gallagher (45) of Creggan Heights who faced three charges of assaults on police and a charge of disorderly behaviour, Charles McElwee (29) and Ronald McElwee (39) both of Rossnagalliagh who faced disorderly charges with Charles McElwee also being charged with two assaults on police.

The court was told that the situation arose when police were trying to get people to move on and they refused.

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Judge McElholm said he had reviewed all the evidence in the case and recorded convictions against all five.

Kieran Gallagher was given a three month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and a fine of £100, Laura Gallagher was fined £400, James Devine was fined £100 for a verbal disorderly, Charles McElwee was fined £300 and Ronald McElwee £150.