Derry man jailed for spitting at police officers

A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court today for spitting at police officers.

Michael Coyle (41) of Rockmills in Derry admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour on February 25 and was convicted on two counts of assault on police after a contest on the papers.

The court heard that around 5.30pm police were called to Long's supermarket where a man who was barred from the premises had returned and was asking customers for money.

Police attended and escorted Coyle away from the premises but he refused to leave the area.

He then became aggressive with police calling one officer 'a c--t' and another 'a slut.'

He was arrested and while waiting to be brought in to the station he spat on an officer twice once on the leg and once on the arm. 

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said there was little that could  be said about the offending. 

She said Coyle had been released from prison earlier this year and has offended within a short period of time. 

Deputy District Judge Alan White said Coyle had been given a chance both in the Magistrate's Court and in the Crown Court. 

He imposed a sentence of eight months.