Man who assaulted a foreign national is given a nine-month jail sentence

Sean Paul Boyle (21), whose address was given on court papers as of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to assault, disorderly behaviour, resisting police and possessing diazepam. The offences took place on November 9.

The defendant also admitted charges of wrongfully entering premises, of conducting himself in disorderly fashion and assaulting as well as resisting police on October 12.

Londonderry Magistrates Court heard that the man was assaulted in the Chapel Road area of the Waterside.

Boyle was arrested a short time later and became ‘volatile’ and abusive to police.

During interview, the 21-year-old said he was at a party, left to get more drugs and assaulted the injured party ‘in self defence’.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley told the court his client has an addiction to drugs and realises he needs to address this to stop offending.

Jailing Boyle, District Judge Barney McElholm also ordered him to pay an offender levy of £25.