Jailed for riotous behaviour in Creggan

Robert Barry Crossan, whose address was given on court papers as c/o HMP Maghaberry, pleaded guilty to riotous behaviour in the Creggan area of the city on November 3rd, 2014.

He admitted a further charge of assaulting a police officer.

Derry Magistrate’s Court was shown CCTV of the incident which was described as a ‘snap shot of a larger incident which took place over a number of hours’ after there had been an ‘attempt to murder police officers.’

This showed a large number of people standing in Creggan Heights as police jeeps entered the area.

Crossan could be seen climbing on top of a police vehicle.

The 39-year-old continued to try and stand in front of the police vehicles as they attempted to drive off.

He was led back to the pavement again and could be seen making a gesture towards police officers.

Crossan was holding a mug in his hand throughout.

The court heard there was a further incident, which was not captured on CCTV, where a police officer believed he was going to be assaulted with the mug.

Defence Counsel Nicki Rountree said the incident took place ‘directly outside’ her client’s home and he ‘found himself caught up in the middle of it.’

She added there was a large police presence in the area at the time ‘this was met with resistance and emotions and tensions were heightened even further when a youth was arrested.’

Jailing Crossan, District Judge Liam McNally said ‘he has been coming to court for a quarter of a century. You would think he would have enough sense to stay at home and have his cup of tea.’