Derry man spat at police trying to assist him
James Kelly (24) of Carlisle Road in Derry was charged following incidents that took place on December 7
A man who admitted spitting at police who were trying to assist him has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with assaulting police and criminal damage.
James Kelly (24) of Carlisle Road in Derry was charged following incidents that took place on December 7 after police saw two males trying to help another male, Kelly, who was unresponsive on the ground.
Police went to check on the man on the ground and found him gasping for air and appearing to be having seizures.
As he woke up and realised that police were attempting to help him, he spat at the officer hitting him in the mouth and did the same while being transported in the ambulance, requiring it to be cleaned.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Kelly refused medical treatment but he continued to spit and limb restraints had to be used.
The court heard that he has 146 previous convictions, including a number for assaulting police.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley requested a pre-sentence report and said that Kelly is 'completely institutionalized' by his criminality, being in and out of prison for most of his adult life.
District Judge Oonagh Mullan expressed resevations as to what good pre-sentence report would do but ordered one to be prepared and released Kelly on bail.
The defendant will appear again on February 5.