Stewartstown man struck police officer causing a cut lip and loose tooth
A Co Tyrone man who was said to have struck a police constable in the face, was given a three-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, when he appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court.
Prosecuting counsel said police arrived at an incident in the Millview Manor area of Dungannon on the morning of May 17, and had to use force to put the defendant in the police car.
Before the court was 27-year-old Thomas McDonagh, of San Soui Park, Stewartstown, who was also ordered to pay the officer £150 compensation arising out of the assault.
McDonagh was fined a further £100 for disorderly behaviour on the same occasion.
Counsel said while McDonagh was being put into the vehicle he swung back striking the constable in the face, causing a cut lip and loose tooth.
When he was placed in the police car he was shouting expletives out of the back of it and a crowd had gathered including small children.
She said he gave a ‘no comment’ interview.
A defence lawyer stressed McDonagh had entered a plea at the earliest opportunity.
He said the defendant accepted full responsibility for his behaviour which he said was “no more than shouting in the street.”
Counsel added that alcohol was a clear factor in the offence and in McDonagh’s criminal record.
He added the defendant has now cut out alcohol.
Imposing the penalties, District Judge Francis Rafferty told McDonagh he hoped that he had learned his lesson.
The judge said the pre-sentence report suggested that “the corner has been turned”, and he warned McDonagh not to come before the court again.