Nicholas McSharry (25) received a three-month suspended sentence for carrying out the assault and damaging a PSNI vehicle.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard he was arrested for causing annoyance to others at the service station on the Crumlin Road in the early hours of August 30.

A Crown lawyer said McSharry threatened to kill himself and “blow the place up” while smoking a cigarette.

As the defendant was being taken into custody, he pulled a door panel off the police vehicle.

He then declared that he was going to “kick off”, lunged at the constable and attempted to bite him on the arm, the court heard.

McSharry, of no fixed abode, admitted criminal damage and assault on police.

Defence counsel Michael Boyd said: “He apologises for his behaviour which was caused by drunkenness.”

The barrister added that his client is also seeking to address mental health issues.

Giving McSharry credit for pleading guilty, District Judge Mark McGarrity decided to suspend the prison term for two years.

Mr McGarrity also ordered him to pay the PSNI £200 in compensation.

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Police said the incident took place at the service station in the Moy Road area of Armagh during the afternoon of Thursday September 1.

The man is understood to have demanded cash from staff at the station before making off and was then seen getting into a black jeep vehicle after leaving the petrol station.

A PSNI appeal was issued following the incident.

PSNI Inspector Mills said: “At approximately 4.35pm we received a report that a man, claiming to be armed with a gun had entered the premises and threatened staff.

“He demanded that they hand over cash before making off.

“The man is described as being approximately six feet tall, of thin build and spoke with a local accent.

“He was wearing a navy coloured coat, black jogging bottoms and a snood.

“He was seen getting into a black Shogun jeep, with a wheel on the back with no rear license plate and the front one taped up.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, have any footage or information that could assist with enquiries, to contact police on101 quoting reference 724 of 02/09/22.”

Reports can also be made via the PSNI’s non-emergency reporting form. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.

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Six people were arrested including a 14 year old boy following the shocking scenes, which included a car collision, fire and pitchforks. CCTV footage showe the incident in which a car careered into other vehicles just outside the station. People are seen getting out of the cars and continuing the brawl in full view of the forecourt.

PSNI were quickly on the scene and made six arrests. The statement said “Detectives have arrested six people following an incident in the Buncrana Road area on Tuesday August 17th.

“Police received a report around 12:40pm of a group of men fighting in the forecourt of a filling station on the Buncrana Road. Officers responded and attended the scene and six people have been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences.

The fighting spilled into McGinley’s Spar shop, where police arrested a number of men. The shop had to be closed for the remainder of the day after staff and customers, including young children, were left traumatised.

“Detectives would appeal to anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident or who has any information which could assist our enquiries to contact them in Strand Road on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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