Suspended sentence for man who 'lashed out' at police in Derry city centre
Martin Anthony O'Connor (29) of Northland Road in Derry was ordered to pay £500 in compensation to the officer he assaulted
A man who assaulted a man waiting on a taxi in a city centre assault has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court today.
Martin Anthony O'Connor (29) of Northland Road in Derry admitted a series of offences that occurred on February 3 2024.
The court heard that police were alerted by CCTV to an ongoing fight in the William Street area where a large crowd had gathered.
They restrained the defendant who was described as being 'very aggressive' and lashed out at police.
Police were told the injured party had been waiting for a taxi with his daughter when there was a verbal alteration with a friend of the defendant who also joined in.
The injured party was kicked to the ground and O'Connor was seen kicking him.
The court heard that the defendant told police he was 'ashamed' of his behaviour.
Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that her client had pleaded guilty at an early opportunity.
She said that the incident was fuelled by drunkenness and this was not 'normal behaviour' for O'Connor.
The defendant was sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for three years and ordered to pay £500 in compensation to the officer he assaulted.