A 36-year-old man from Union Mills has been fined £350 for being drunk and disorderly after a case of mistaken identity led to his arrest.

Anthony William Allsey, of Strang Road, admitted the offence and was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that police were called to the Rosemount pub at 3.46pm on November 2 after a report of a man refusing to leave and being aggressive.

When they arrived at the pub, the man had left but police were given a description.

Police then saw Allsey on Westmoreland Road, where he was said to be stumbling and shouting.

He was spoken to by police and was initially reluctant to speak to them, but then told them that he had never been in the Rosemount.

Allsey began to get abusive telling police where to go as he tried to enter a property, ringing the bell.

He continued his abuse, again telling police where to go, then raising his middle finger in an offensive gesture.

Allsey was subsequently arrested and after a bit of a struggle was put in a police van.

His anger continued as he was said to have kicked and headbutted the van and spat.

Defence advocate Peter Taylor said: ’The man in the Rosemount wasn’t Mr Allsey.

’Unfortunately he had been at a friend’s house watching the rugby world cup final and when challenged things escalated.

’He did raise his finger, getting more agitated, and was in drink at the time.

’It was an unfortunate combination of being in drink and the feeling of police picking on him. Unfortunately, somebody with a similar description to him had been causing trouble in the area.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered Allsey to pay the fine and costs at a rate of £100 per month.