Cookstown teenager headbutted police officer on way to court

A Cookstown teenager who headbutted a police officer as he was being transported from Dungannon Police Station to the local courthouse, has been sentenced to two months in prison.

By The Newsroom

Published 14th Apr 2016, 11:31 BST

Updated 14th Apr 2016, 11:38 BST

David Mark Cunningham, 18, from Riverside Drive, pleaded guilty at East Tyrone Magistrates Court to the offence of assaulting police during a videolink hearing from Maghaberry Prison.

A prosecuting lawyer explained Cunningham was being taken to the courthouse on January 18 when he began verbally abusing the police officers and swearing at them.

After being restrained in the back of the PSNI vehicle, Cunningham headbutted one of the officers using the back of his head and striking the officer on the chin.

Cunningham continued to swear at the officers after being cautioned for the offence.

District Judge, Bernie Kelly, imposed the custodial sentence, along with a £25 offenders’ levy.

PSNI