Behaviour of Castledawson man who put police officer into a wrist lock causing severe pain was 'absolutely disgraceful', says judge
A drunk man who grabbed a police officer and put him into a wrist lock that caused severe pain, was placed on Probation for 18 months when he appeared at Magherafelt Magistrates Court.
District Judge Alan White was told that the officer managed to pull the man to the floor and restrain him to police back-up arrived.
Robert Bigger, aged 39, of Riverside North, Castledawson, was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service on charges of assault on police, resisting police, and disorderly behaviour in licensed premises.
Describing it as “absolutely disgraceful” behaviour, District Judge White ordered Bigger to pay the officer £300 compensation.
Prosecuting counsel said at 7.50pm on January 21, police received a report of a drunken male causing a disturbance on licensed premises at Main Street, Castledawson, and refusing to leave the premises.
She said a single officer confronted Bigger who threatened violence and attempted to get him to calm down.
Counsel said Bigger grabbed the officer by the wrist and put him into a wrist lock which caused him severe pain.
The lawyer said the officer managed to pull the defendant to the floor and while doing so hit his head off a bar table.
Counsel said the officer restrained Bigger and when police back-up arrived the defendant spat blood at officers.
Bigger later told police that he had gone out with his son at 6pm for dinner and had a few drinks but did “remember anything else”, she continued.
She said the defendant told police he was embarrassed and apologised for his actions, saying he did not know what had got into him.
A defence lawyer said the incident had to be considered within the context of the “stresses going on in this man’s life” at the time.
He pointed out that since the incident the defendant has nothing pending, and has not taken alcohol.
"He is ashamed and reiterates his apologises to the officers,” counsel added.
He pleaded with the court for leniency and not to imposed a custodial sentence which would be detrimental to his son.
District Judge White said imprisonment is appropriate, but he would deal with the matter by way of a combination order.