Man with 27 previous convictions for criminal damage punched police officer several times to the face in Lisburn
A man has been sentenced to 11 months in prison after being charged with a catalogue of offences, including assaulting police.
George Wilson, 26, whose address was given as Springfield Meadows in Belfast, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of assault on police, two counts of criminal damage, and two counts of common assault.
The court heard that at 11.20pm on August 14, 2025, police received a report of criminal damage, with glass on a door and window being broken.
Police identified the defendant as being involved and on attending an address in Lisburn, the officers observed the defendant climbing out of a first floor window of a property.
It was reported that the defendant punched one of the officers several times to the face before making off.
He was then apprehended on the Belfast Road in Lisburn, where he punched another officer.
He was arrested and interviewed, making admissions to the criminal damage offences and stating that he ‘ran from police because he knew he was wanted’.
Defence barrister Peter Coiley told the court the defendant had been on remand for five months and was currently in Maghaberry Prison.
District Judge Rosie Watters stated that the defendant had 27 previous convictions for criminal damage.
Mr Coiley continued: “This is deplorable behaviour by any measure.
“He has served a very significant portion of any likely sentence that could be imposed by this court.
"He has been in and out of prison and been on bail for periods of time.”
"I won’t shy away from the fact it is outrageous behaviour against public servants.
"It was a drug fuelled chaotic lifestyle.
"He has taken steps to ensure his had distanced himself from those who would lead him astray. He has taken a pragmatic view and wants to deal with these matters.”
On the charges of criminal damage and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, District Judge Rosie Watters imposed a custodial sentence of 11 months, as well as an offender’s levy of £25.
She also imposed a custodial sentence of five months on each of the other charges, to run concurrently, with a total prison sentence of 11 months.