Ahoghill man headbutted police officer's face in rear of PSNI vehicle
An Ahoghill man headbutted a police officer in the face whilst in the rear of a PSNI vehicle.
The 34-year-old committed the assault on April 5 this year.
Harley McHenry, of Brookfield Gardens, was at Ballymena Magistrates Court on Thursday, where a prosecutor said at 2.30am on April 5 police were called to an address after a report of a disturbance outside.
A police officer was in the rear of a PSNI vehicle with McHenry and "while reaching across the defendant in order to put his seat belt on, the defendant headbutted him, hitting him in the face with considerable force".
A defence barrister said that "mercifully the police officer did not suffer significant injury". He said the officer "should be able to go about his employment without a headbutt".
The barrister said the defendant had a "very poor record" but is engaging with Community Addictions. He said McHenry is complying with a prison release licence.
District Judge Nigel Broderick deferred sentencing to January 7.