A man who exposed himself to a female police officer has been jailed for eight months.
Court heard the 27-year-old was “disgusted” when he viewed body-worn camera footage of the incident.
Christopher Peter Kelly, of Andersonstown, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on police, criminal damage, exposure and disorderly behaviour at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Court heard that the case had previously been adjourned to find out if the defendant was suitable for community service.
Defence barrister Conor Coulter told court Kelly was judged not to be able to avail of this which he said left the district judge’s “hands tied”.
The offence took place on April 19, at around 3.20am.
Police were called to escort the defendant who had been “disruptive” from the Charlemont Arms Hotel, Armagh.
As officers ejected him from the premises Kelly continued to shout and swear.
The defendant was arrested and placed in a police van.
Kelly then proceeded to take down his trousers exposing his genitals in front of a female police officer.
Court heard she also received a knee to the shoulder but had suffered no injuries.
During transport the defendant urinated in the police van, and spat “a goblet of phlegm”, at another officer.
Prosecution said that invoice for £50.41 was presented in court for the deep clean of the PSNI vehicle.
Defence barrister Conor Coulter stated: “This matter was to be contested until Mr Kelly viewed the body-worn camera footage. He was disgusted by his actions and entered a plea.”
He explained: “Mr Kelly has struggled with his mental health and more lately with his physical health with him spending a few months in the hospital around August time.”
Mr Coulter added: “This offence occurred at a particularly dark period, although he did engage with a community service order which he had previously sentenced to in March of this year.”
“Mr Kelly does wish to offer his apologies to both the court and to the officers affected,” added the defence.
District Judge Paul Copeland stated: “The custody threshold has been met and you have not made the alternative of community service available.
“You have 29 previous convictions, including a serious road traffic offence for which you had been previously sentenced to probation order.
“This offence is aggravated by your indecent behaviour towards a female police officer.
“I have heard that this was a dark period in your life but there have to be consequences for this type of behaviour.”
Kelly was sentenced to eight months in prison and an order for £50.41 was made for the cleaning of the the police vehicle.
