Magherafelt man placed on probation for assault on police and disorderly behaviour
A Magherafelt man was placed on probation for a year and ordered to carry out 50 hours of community service when he appeared at the local Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Forty-year-old Ivars Kalnins from Garden Street, was convicted of disorderly behaviour at Union Road, Magherafelt, and assaulting two police officers on July 10 last.
A defence lawyer told the court that Kalnins had served two months in custody in relation to this matter which had followed an alleged assault on him.
He said the defendant had reacted inappropriately towards the police, but pleaded with the court to be as lenient as possible.
District Judge Conor Heaney said he was familiar with the facts of the case and viewed the bodycam footage.
He stressed if Kalnins was the victim of a criminal act he could report it to the authorities.
The judge added that he believed the defendant would benefit from engaging with probation to help with alcohol issues, impulsive behaviour, and poor decision making.