Person in transition jailed for six months for assaulting police officers

A person who is currently in the process of transitioning to a female has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with assaulting police officers who tried to help them. 

Natasha Quinn (32) of Abercorn Road in Derry was arrested after the incidents that occurred on August 22 last year.

Police were initially called to a concern for safety for someone on a bridge in Derry and managed to get Quinn to safety.

Quinn proceeded to elbow one of the officers before being taken to hospital. Quinn then asked to go to the bathroom and, when officers removed the handcuffs, proceeded to elbow another officer.

Defence Barrister Stephen Mooney told the court that Quinn has 'significant mental health issues', adding that they are currently in the process of transitioning into a woman.

District Judge Barney McElhom said that there was 'no excuse' for the sort of violence shown by Quinn, particularly when police were 'clearly trying to help'.

Quinn was sentenced to six months in custody.