A 23-year-old man who “stumbled” upon a large group of males who started a fire on the Cornagrade Road and attacked police has been convicted of disorderly behaviour and obstructing police.

On July 13, 2019 material was dragged out on to the Cornagrade Road in Enniskillen and set alight and when police responded they were attacked with missiles.

Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard on Monday that at around 4.20am on the morning in question police were on patrol in the area when they observed Kalem Greene, of Braeside Park, Enniskillen, among a crowd, noting his clothing, and he waved at them.

A time later there was a call made of a disturbance by a large group of males who had moved bollards into the middle of the road blocking it before starting a fire.

Police made no approach but kept an eye on the situation. Later on a number of officers in an armoured car drove around the Cornagrade Road. They observed eight males, including Greene disperse as they approached before missiles were thrown.

The Cornagrade Road was then closed as police observed from the Irvinestown Road side and Hillview. They could see the defendant pulling at an advertising hoarding before the armoured car went around again and the group began to run off.

The 23 year old was stopped by police and when asked his name told them it was Ryan Brown however he was identified by an officer who recognised him. Greene was arrested and when asked why he gave the wrong name he said he didn’t want to get involved in something he didn’t do.

Defending barrister Steffan Rafferty told the court that his client had “stumbled” on the scene after coming from a house party and pointed to the fact that no evidence was found on Greene’s phone that indicated this was premeditated act. Mr. Rafferty said he was “heavily intoxicated” and foolishly hung around. Mr. Rafferty also pointed out that Greene was the only person to be prosecuted in relation to the incident.

Greene’s barrister added that the defendant’s interactions with the justice system were usually linked to alcohol.

Mr. Rafferty continued saying that the 23 year old was not involved in the throwing of missiles and the height of the police case against him was Greene pulling at an advertisement sign. In relation to the obstruction he conceded he gave the wrong name as he did not want to get involved in the more serious aspects of the incident to which District Judge Steven Keown replied that he did not want to get caught.

Mr. Rafferty asked Greene to be given credit for his guilty plea and willingness to deal with the matter sensibly.

Speaking to Greene, Judge Keown described the incident as “outrageous and extremely worrying” for the police and public at what was unfolding on the Cornagrade Road. He said he accepted it was not as bad but it was nonetheless outrageous and Greene should not have been near it.

Judge Keown ordered Green to complete 18 months probation and 100 hours community service and warned him if comes back to court he will be “looking at the prison door”.