Co Derry man involved in disorderly behaviour near Tyrone school took 'opportunity' given by court
A Co Derry man who spat blood on two police constables after he was arrested for disorderly behaviour near a Dungannon primary school, has been placed on Probation for two years.
Dungannon Magistrates Court heard, on Friday, that on October 13 last year at 3.20pm, police were called to a report of an intoxicated male running out in front of cars at Trewmount Road.
Before the court was 35-year-old Patrick Blaine Mullan, of Moyne Walk, Limavady, who was sentenced in relation to charges of disorderly behaviour, and assaulting the officers.
Prosecuting counsel said children were getting out of a local school at the time and witnessed the aggressive and disturbing behaviour of Mullan.
The lawyer said as he was being handcuffed the defendant spat blood on two constables and was further arrested.
When placed in the cell van he banged his head against the inside of the van, the lawyer added.
District Judge Francis Rafferty remarked that back in January the court gave Mullan “an opportunity and he took that opportunity”.
The judge said the defendant had re-engaged with mental health agencies and made contact with Ascert as regards his alcohol issues.
A defence lawyer said the defendant was open to intervention from the Probation Service.
Placing him on Probation for two years, the judge made it a condition that he attends all programmes his supervising officer requires him to attend and takes “all the help that is on offer”.
"Hopefully, we will not see you in court again,” he added.