Shouted abuse at bus driver

A MAN has been given a suspended sentence for disorderly behaviour at Dungannon Bus Station.

Trevor Junior Anderson (31) of Greenvale Drive, Cookstown was charged with common assault and disorderly behaviour at Dungannon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

On May 5, police received a report of a man acting disorderly around Market Square, Dungannon and the Translink Depot. When police arrived, they were told Anderson had been disruptive and shouting abuse.

During the incident, Anderson told a bus driver, “you come over here and take our jobs” and “go back to your own country.”

CCTV of the incident was showed Anderson’s behaviour.

Defence counsel Mr Donnelly explained this was not uncommon behaviour for his client but added that Anderson had suffered a serious brain injury last year.

Mr Donnelly told the court that Anderson is already subject to a five month suspended sentence, and is “walking on a tightrope.”

The court heard that the bus driver who Anderson shouted at is from the area.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said the aggravating factor in the case was that it occurred in a public setting in a bus station.

Judge Ranaghan added there is “racial undertones” even if the bus driver was from here, and said he had taken Anderson’s head injury into account.

Anderson was sentenced to four months in prison but the sentence was suspended for two years with Judge Ranaghan saying it would put Anderson “to the test.”