Man admits to assault on a 
police officer

A Dromore man was ordered to pay £400 compensation to a police officer he assaulted during an incident in Banbridge.
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Wayne Niall Cromie (32) Green Dyke Walk, appeared last Thursday at Banbridge Magistrates Court.

He admitted assaulting an officer, disorderly behaviour and obstructing police on February 1 this year.

For the assault charge he was bound over in the sum of £500 for two years to keep the peace and ordered to pay his victim £400 compensation.

He was also bound over for the obstruction charge.

Cromie was fined £100 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy for disorderly behaviour.

The court heard that at 2.15am police were dealing with a disturbance in Newry Street, Banbridge, outside a takeaway.

They were making an arrest when the arresting officer was struck from behind and dragged to the ground by the defendant.

The officer was grabbed by Cromie and he had to push the defendant against shop shutters to get his release before informing him he was being arrested for disorderly behaviour.

The police officer suffered bruising to the back of his head and lower back.

He had discomfort for a number of days.

A barrister representing the defendant handed in testimonials concerning the defendant to the court.

He said that Cromie had taken too much drink and became involved with the police.

He realised his behaviour was totally unacceptable.

The barrister added that the defendant had stayed out of trouble for a significant period of time.

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, said that in his view Cromie’s engagement in this event was largely due to the amount of alcohol he had taken.

He added that the defendant had shown remorse and from the testimonials it seemed to be out of character.

But Judge Copeland warned Cromie if he was back in court again he would not be dealt with in the same way.

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