“East Belfast Man, David Patterson, Convicted for Assault on Police and Disorderly Behavior in Late Night Altercation”

– “Paedophile vigilante criticized for courtroom attire”
– “Court reprimands vigilante for wearing shorts during trial”.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : East Belfast man convicted for assault on police during early hours altercation

David Patterson, a self-styled “protector of the neighbourhood,” received a stern reprimand from a judge after showing up to court in inappropriate attire. The 55-year-old from east Belfast pleaded guilty to assault on police and disorderly behaviour following an incident in which he shouted derogatory remarks outside a house in east Belfast.

As Patterson entered the public gallery at Laganside Magistrates Court, District Judge McCafferty expressed his displeasure, saying, “Has he turned up to court wearing shorts?” Patterson, sporting a blue windbreaker-style jacket with a poppy pin-badge, navy shorts, and walking boots, was met with an awkward silence before the judge instructed his solicitor to advise him to dress appropriately for future court appearances.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on July 29 last year when police received a report of a disturbance on Elmgrove Court in Belfast at approximately 2 am. Patterson, along with a female co-accused, was seen shouting the word “paedophile” outside a property. Despite police attempts to intervene, Patterson, who was intoxicated at the time, disregarded their instructions and advanced towards them.

Prosecutors further revealed that Patterson even attempted to headbutt a police officer before eventually being apprehended. His defence solicitor acknowledged his client’s intoxication but emphasized that it did not excuse his behavior. The solicitor added, “Some people in the neighbourhood have expressed discontent with an occupant of a house in the area,” alluding to possible underlying tensions.

Judge McCafferty, however, was appalled by this explanation and expressed his disbelief, stating, “So this man set himself up as a protector of the neighbourhood by going out drunk at two in the morning and causing a disturbance on the street?” Considering the severity of the offenses, the judge indicated that he was strongly considering a custodial sentence as an option.

In addition to the assault on police and disorderly behaviour charges, Patterson had also faced charges of criminal damage and resisting police. He pleaded not guilty to the criminal damage charge, which was subsequently dismissed by the court, while the charge of resisting police was withdrawn.

The case has been adjourned until March to allow for the compilation of pre-sentence reports. As a sheepish and remorseful Patterson left the courtroom, clad in his shorts, the judge’s words lingered, highlighting the seriousness of his actions and the potential consequences he may face..

1. “Paedophile vigilante scolded for wearing shorts in court”
2. “Paedophile vigilante reprimanded for inappropriate courtroom attire”.