Derry protest shouter jailed for series of offences
Jason Murphy (32) of no fixed abode admitted offences on August 13 and August 24 this year after he received a suspended sentence on August 8 for the protest incident
A man who was given a suspended sentence after admitting shouting at an anti racism protest in Derry's Guildhall Square has been jailed at the local Magistrate's Court today for a series of offences.
Jason Murphy (32) of no fixed abode admitted offences on August 13 and August 24 this year after he received a suspended sentence on August 8 for the protest incident.
The court heard that on August 13 police were called to a concern for safety report after Murphy was spotted on the wrong side of the railings at the river.
He was brought to the right side and tried to flee from police and was then brought to Altnagelvin Hospital.
Murphy refused to enter the police vehicle and kicked an officer causing minor injuries.
The the court heard that on August 24 police were called to an incident at the Top of the Hill.
They spoke to a female with a cut on her eye and she told them Murphy had tried to enter an address and when she stopped him he struck her twice in the face causing the cut.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that the defendant accepted that the only question was how long a prison sentence he was getting not if he was getting one.
He said that Murphy's problems stemmed from alcohol but added that he had a good work record although 'alcohol and work don't mix'.
Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers said that this was 'an appalling catalogue of offences against the backdrop of a suspended sentence.'
She said that custody was inevitable and imposed a jail sentence of 6 months.