Cllr guilty of staging illegal anti 12th protest

Man also convicted of cop assault

A COUNCILLOR was yesterday convicted of assaulting police and organising an illegal protest against an Orange march. Padraig Mcshane was also found guilty of disorderly behaviour in Ballycastle, Co Antrim, last July 12. The 45-year-old Independent member of Causeway Coast & Glens Council denied the charges. District Judge Peter King told Ballymena Magistrates Court the background to the case was “depressingly familiar” regarding parading and protests. During the parade an incident occurred when Dervock Young Defenders band were in close proximity to Cllr Mcshane. The judge said the police prevented much greater disorder and he said he suspected if individuals had acted with a degree of restraint, the day would have passed off peacefully. He added he had listened to three days of evidence and said there were incidents in the Altananam Park area and also at the Diamond in the town. Around 12.50pm the judge said Mcshane directed a group of up to 15 men who gathered at Altananam Park, which was an unnotified protest, when they held placards including some which said “Treat our community with respect”. The judge said gestures were made towards the band and a police officer was racially abused. Judge King said Mcshane, of Beechwood Avenue, Ballycastle, shouted at a band and when asked to move back he swore at police. He was agitated and was warned about his behaviour. The judge said the group was “directed” by Mcshane and were clearly acting in concert with the councillor”. Later, as the parade returned through the town a “critical mass” of the loyalist band had been drinking alcohol. He said drummers were wearing Union Flag face masks and a confrontation occurred between Mcshane and the band. Judge King said as police tried to calm the situation Mcshane “unjustifiably” transferred his aggression to officers and he shoved a constable in the chest. Donal James Martin, 46, of Ramoan Court in the town, was also convicted of disorderly behaviour and taking part in an unnotified protest. Joseph John Donaghy, 50, of Altananam Park was fined £200 for taking part in the demo. Parade participant William Thomas Smyth, 52, of Queens Court, Coleraine, Co Derry, was fined £150 for disorderly behaviour at Altnananam Park, for making what the judge described as a “crude” gesture.