Enniskillen Courthouse
A PPS (Public Prosecution Service) officer has laid bare the offending history of a Enniskillen man saying it is one of the longest records Fermanagh Court has dealt with.
Jason David Taylor, 22, was given a two-year suspended sentence for disorderly behaviour and resisting police and told by a judge that there is little hope he won’t reoffend.
Taylor, with an address at Orchard House, Rigg, was described by his barrister as a keen sportsman after representing Enniskillen in rugby and his county in running.
Deputy Judge Anne Marshall decided against activating Taylor’s suspended sentence from a previous assault charge instead opting to impose another suspended sentence after police decided to drop the most serious charge of assault.
The two charges resulted following an incident in the Diamond area of Enniskillen on December 9 last year.
The court heard that on that date police were on duty in the area of the town centre when they saw Taylor standing outside the First Trust Bank building.
The police officers could hear Taylor having a loud conversation with his girlfriend and was asked to lower his voice. However, Taylor became agitated by this and went over to the officers and began shouting in their faces.
A struggle ensued when the accused tried to push past the officers who then had to restrain Taylor.
The court was told that the defendant then kicked a police officer and started shouting abuse at him.
He was arrested and taken to Enniskillen PSNI station.
Taylor, who has previous convictions for assault, violence and disorderly behaviour, was originally charged with assault and attempted criminal damage, however these charges were withdrawn by the police.
His defence barrister told the court: “The defendant was with his girlfriend who decided she wanted to drive home but she had too much to drink that night and he was asking her not to go.
“The pair were talking too loudly in a public place and police had to intervene.
“He was handcuffed and legs were restrained. He suffered a number of injuries from this night.
“The defendant has learnt his lesson and it would be beneficial to have something hanging over his head.
“He is a young man and works full time. He had excelled in the sporting field playing rugby for Enniskillen and he represented Fermanagh in running. Let him at liberty to pursue his interests.”
Judge Marshall told Taylor that she was very unimpressed with his behaviour and his record.
She added: “You are very fortunate that the efforts of your barrister has resulted in the assault charge being withdrawn by police.
“The police were just trying to help you. I am very unimpressed by your actions.
“I am also unimpressed by your record and it has relevant matters for a serious offence and you were very lucky to get a suspended sentence the last time. You were back in this court last July for an assault charge.
“You have accepted that your behaviour is unacceptable but have entered a plea at a late stage.
“I have no choice but to impose a period of four months in prison for each of the two offences but I will suspend them for two years.
“Your record doesn’t give me hope that you won’t reoffend.
“You may thank your barrister you are walking out that front door today.”
Taylor was given a four month suspended sentence for each offence, which is to run concurrently, for two years.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere