THE Resident Magistrate intervened to stop a defence solicitor questioning a police officer regarding the use of CS spray during an incident in Omagh.

Joseph Anthony McGowan (42) of Gardenville Avenue, Omagh was before the court charged with disorderly behaviour and causing damage to a police cell. The defendant denies the charges.

As a police officer was connecting the accused man to the charges, defence solicitor Michael Fahy asked whether a warning had been issued when CS spray was used during the incident. The officer replied the spray had been used twice as a last resort and that warnings were given.

Mr Fahy then said, "the defendant denies the warnings were given or that it was used as a last result."

At this stage in the proceedings RM Greg McCourt interjected to state that this was not the time to get into a trial as to the behaviour of the police or the defendant. The case was adjourned until February 20.