Man in court after fleeing police with offensive weapon in Strabane

A TEENAGER has apologised to the court, after he was convicted of disorderly behaviour and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a metal bar.

Joshua McColgan (19) of Lisnafin Park was not present on Thursday when his case was heard. The court was told that on June 26 last year police were on patrol in Bridge Street in Strabane when they spotted a man standing in the middle of the road gripping a metal bar. The man – McColgan – reportedly ran off discarding the pole as he went.

Some time later the defendant was detained however he then became aggravated and started shouting and screaming. He was warned over his conduct. During interview the next day McColgan admitted having the bar but said he had previously been in a fight that day and had been carrying it for protection.

“He shouldn’t have done it, he apologies to the court for that,” McColgan’s solicitor, Patrick Roche explained.

After hearing Mr Roche’s submission, Deputy District Judge John Connolly handed McColgan an 18-month conditional discharge.

“Any breach and he’ll be back before me, and it will be more serious than that,” the judge said.

A destruction order was also issued for the metal bar, which was subsequently retrieved from a builders’ yard.