Man used bar stool as weapon
Published 26 Aug 2012 15:26
A 30-year-old prisoner will spend an extra few days in jail for lifting a bar stool above his head and lunging at customers in a pub in Ballinamallard.
Hugh John Elliott, of Main Street, Trillick, appeared at Fermanagh Court by video link from Maghaberry Prison and admitted possession of offensive weapons, namely a bar stool and belt, and being disorderly in The Mallard Bar.
A prosecutor explained that at approximately 9.30pm on Sunday, June 3, police were called to an on-going disturbance in The Mallard Bar. They arrived to find Elliott standing outside a take-away cafe close to the rear exit of the bar. He was bleeding heavily from two cuts to his right arm so the officers gave him First Aid. It was believed the injuries were sustained in another incident. The police were told that Elliott had been in The Mallard Bar for about two hours and was abusive to other customers. He was put out after he took off his belt, wrapped it around his fist, lifted a stool up above his head, and lunged at the crowd, as if he was going to punch someone.
Defence solicitor, Mr. Michael Fahy, suggested it was unruly behaviour and no damage was caused.
Deputy District Judge Paul Conway suggested it would have been "quite scary" for the other customers.
Mr. Fahy said no-one was injured and when the police were called Elliott "went quietly".
He told the court that on June 11, Elliott was sentenced to six months in prison for other offences and submitted that if these matters had been dealt with at that stage the sentence would have been the same.
The solicitor pointed out that Elliott was due for release on September 9, and urged the Deputy District Judge not to extend the jail term beyond that date.
"He wants to get out of prison," said Mr. Fahy. "He has had time to reflect and wants to put these matter behind him."
The Deputy District Judge sentenced Elliott to six weeks in prison, explaining that that would mean an extra "two or three days" in jail, and that Elliott "won't be getting off scot-free on these charges".
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