Shouting abuse at a police patrol has left two men facing fines of £125 each when they were convicted of disorderly behaviour.

Appearing before Fermanagh Magistrate's Court were Darryl Curry (21), from Main Street, Lisbellaw, and 40-year-old James Ronald McKenzie from Kilmacormick Drive, Enniskillen.

The charges arose, the Court heard, out of an incident that occurred on 23rd December last year, when police were on patrol driving along Townhall Street, Enniskillen. McKenzie began shouting 'black b**tards' and 'black c**ts' at the police. He was spoken to and warned about his behaviour.

Both defendants were told to move on. However, McKenzie continued shouting 'up the f**king Celts' and 'up the hoods'. Curry also became involved in the disruption and both men were arrested for disorderly behaviour.

Defence solicitor for McKenzie, Bernard Corrigan, suggested that the most pertinent fact was the date, "This was the Friday night before Christmas, when most places finished up."

ALCOHOL

Mr Corrigan said his client accepted that he had consumed a large amount of alcohol which, he said, was unusual for McKenzie.

Garry Smyth, defending Curry, accepted that his client, 'foolishly became involved' and now found himself before the court. Mr Smyth added, "He had also consumed too much alcohol, and this may have been a factor."