Derry judge brands man a 'thug'

A man has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrates Court for assault, obstructing and resisting police.

Kevin Clarke (23) of Ernest Street in Derry was charged with the offences that took place between June and August last year. 

Police were called on August 1 after a domestic incident and Clarke ran from the scene. He was seen by officers throwing his phone onto another property and attempted to resist police as they handcuffed him.

Defence Barrister Michael Donaghy told the court that this 'wasn't the most violent offence', adding that 'the most serious charges had been thrown out.'

District Judge Barney McElhom said that this did not impress him, calling Clarke a 'thug' and sentencing him to five months in custody, suspended for three years, and a fine of £250.