Derry man in breach of suspended sentences jailed for assault on police

A man who was given a suspended sentence on July 14 was arrested on July 28 for assaulting police. 

Christopher Villa (36) of no fixed abode admitted assaulting police on July 28.

The court heard that police were called to a man roaring and shouting in the Coshquin Road area and saw Villa.

They tried to speak to him but he walked away and when police followed he refused to give his details. 

He then became 'aggressive' towards police and kicked out at an officer. 

Later Villa said he wanted to apologise for his behaviour. 

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that alcohol was the issue here.

He said the court had very few options left.

District Judge Ted Magill said that the defendant had 75 previous convictions and was in breach of two suspended sentences. 

He said the issue with alcohol does not excuse the defendant's behaviour. 

The judge said that the only issue he had to decide was the length of the sentence. 

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Villa was jailed for six months.