Probation after assault on police

He was 21-year-old James Scullion from Sloanhill Mews.

On September 13 police were called to a report of a disturbance at a house in Sloanhill Mews.

At the scene police arrested Scullion on suspicion of criminal damage.

The court heard he was handcuffed and put into the back on a police car. When he was being taken to the station Scullion struck out with his right elbow and hit a male constable and was cautioned for assault on police.

When interviewed at Lurgan station he remained silent throughout.

Scullion’s defence solicitor said it was the usual unsavoury story where too much alcohol was taken.

He said his client apologised for lashing out. He said Scullion was due to appear in court for another matter later this month, adding that he hadn’t come to police attention since bail conditions were imposed.

The court was told Scullion has a previous record for low-end driving offences and one aggravated assault as a youth.

District Judge Alan White gave the defendant credit for pleading guilty although he said the pre-sentence report listed Scullion as being at a high-risk of reoffending.

He was given a 12-month probation sentence with the condition he attend alcohol counselling and an anger management programme.