A man threw a tin of beer over a PSNI officer and shouted "Up the 'Ra" after being told to return home during the lockdown, a court has heard.
Neil Murphy (37) was given 12 months probation for the assault on police and disorderly behaviour outside his flat in north Belfast.
Officers encountered him drinking after they were called to Cliftonville Avenue on April 19 this year.
Belfast Magistrates' Court heard Murphy was told to go home due to the lockdown in place at the time, but responded by shouting and swearing.
"He referred to police as 'f****** scum', a prosecution lawyer said.
Despite being warned about his behaviour Murphy continued to be verbally abusive.
"He threw a tin of beer over a constable and pushed him in the chest," the prosecutor added.
When he was arrested and put in a police vehicle he responded by shouting "Up the 'Ra".
Defence barrister Aileen Smyth said Murphy's partner had refused to let him into their home because he had been drinking with neighbours in breach of the Covid-19 rules in operation.
"Police came on the scene and when he tried to explain to them he was locked out of his home address everything escalated from there," she submitted.
"He is very sorry and knows he was in the wrong."
Imposing 12 months probation, District Judge Fiona Bagnall ordered Murphy to take part in a drugs and alcohol programme as part of the programme.
