A 22-YEAR-OLD man who received a three-month jail term after being convicted of using disorderly behaviour for a ninth time has been released from custody, pending an appeal against the sentence.

Lee Thomas Francis, of Willoughby Place, Enniskillen, had pleaded guilty to using disorderly behaviour in a public place, namely The Diamond, on December 17, 2017.

Fermanagh Magistrates Court heard that, on December 17, police on mobile patrol of Enniskillen town centre were flagged down by door staff at Pat’s Bar.

They told officers they were having “difficulty” with a customer.

Francis was later observed by police facing a member of staff with his chest pushed out and fist clenched.

After he threw punches towards the staff, police restrained him using handcuffs.

While they were doing so, he punched out with his right hand.

Defending counsel, Ciaran Roddy, told the court that his client had taken exception to the manner in which he was dealt with, but now accepted that his behaviour had been “unacceptable”.

Acknowledging the defendant’s poor previous record, Mr. Roddy conceded: “He hasn’t learnt the lessons he ought to have by now.”

The barrister said that every form of disposal had been tried by the court, apart from a period on Probation.

He argued that addressing the defendant’s problems with alcohol abuse at this stage could prevent further offending.

In mitigation, Mr. Roddy said his client now had a “different priority” with a child to provide for.

However, district judge, Nigel Broderick, observed that this was the defendant’s ninth conviction for using disorderly behaviour.

The judge said that Francis had previously appeared before the court on November 22 last year, when he was given a chance and received community service.

But Mr. Broderick said, within a matter of weeks, he was committing the same offence.

Ruling that the custodial threshold had been crossed, the judge imposed a three-month jail term and ordered Francis to pay a £25 offender levy.

Mr. Broderick then released the defendant on his own bail of £500, pending an appeal against the sentence.

Under the terms of his bail, he is not to be intoxicated in a public place or consume intoxicating liquor and to provide a screening breath test to police upon request.