A 34-year-old man was arrested in the Clady area on Thursday night following a police vehicle stop. Officers from Sprucefield intercepted a Citroën Berlingo using pre-emptive tactics after the vehicle had been reported earlier in Ballyclare over concerns of suspected drink driving.

The driver failed a roadside breath test and was arrested. A subsequent search uncovered a quantity of suspected Class B controlled drugs and a significant amount of cash, leading to a further arrest.

Police said the man then became abusive and disorderly at the roadside, disturbing local residents. He was arrested for disorderly behaviour. Officers apologised for the late-night disruption.

Because of his aggressive conduct, police transported him to custody in a cell van. During the journey he deliberately defecated inside the secure cell area, causing extensive contamination. The van has been taken out of service for specialist cleaning, at what police described as considerable expense to the taxpayer. He was further arrested for criminal damage.

In custody, the man refused to provide evidential samples, resulting in an additional offence. He will now appear before court. A PSNI spokesperson said the incident demonstrates how such behaviour affects communities, police resources, and the public purse.