Threatened to stab officers

Gary Murphy, Ballymacross Hill, Lisburn, was jailed for a total of six months last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

A six month sentence was imposed for possession of a knife with intent to commit an indictable offence, namely grievous bodily harm.

He also received concurrent four month terms for criminal damage to a table, picture frame and air freshener and assaulting a female.

The court heard that at 11.10pm on July 11 this year police went to a house in Victoria Street where the injured party was with the defendant and both were under the influence of alcohol.

She said Murphy had punched and kicked her and damaged a picture frame.

He also made a threat that the first police officer to come through the door would be stabbed.

She was told the knife would be used on her.

There were bruises to her upper arms and shoulder.

When spoken to by police Murphy denied he hit the injured party but did hold her down, using quite a bit of force.

He said he was trying to get his mobile from her.

A barrister for Murphy said he had no previous record, had made admissions and pleaded guilty at an early opportunity which he should be given credit for.

He added that the defendant and his now ex-partner had been drinking all day. Murphy was now residing with his mother and was not intending on returning to the Lurgan area.

He indicated that in the pre-sentence report probation were saying they were in a position to help Murphy.

The barrister added that this was a one-off incident which would not occur again.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said he considered this to be a very serious case.

He said he had to balance the lack of convictions with what was a violent domestic assault.

He was also concerned about the threat to stab the first officer who came into the house.

The judge added that Murphy was trying to say that the victim was equally to blame and he was prepared to blame anyone but himself for what happened.

Bail was set at £500 for Murphy to appeal against the sentence and he was released pending appeal.