An Armagh man who assaulted three police officers in one single incident has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
The 24-year-old’s barrister told court: “On occasion it would appear alcohol is what leads to this sort of behaviour, but he is somebody who can keep themselves out of trouble.”
Patrick McCann, of St Patrick’s Park, appeared for sentencing on three counts of assault on police and disorderly behaviour at the city’s Magistrates, sitting at Newry.
Prosecution outlined that on February 16, police observed the defendant standing on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.
McCann was advised to stay off the road, but he proceeded to spit on the bonnet of a police car and smashed a glass bottle against a street sign before shouting and swearing at officers.
At 9.10pm, McCann was arrested and cautioned referring to the police as “British b*******”.
Then on June 7, at 2.40am, police received a report of a male causing a disturbance near the Linenhall Street Hostel in Armagh.
There, police spoke to the defendant, who appeared unsteady on his feet, his speech was slurred and he smelled of intoxicating liquor.
Officers later spotted McCann on Barrack Hill. They went to speak to him but he pushed a shopping trolley at their legs and had to be taken to the ground.
The defendant grabbed railings as he was taken to the ground causing one officer to injure his hand. He also kicked out hitting another officer below the knee.
Defence barrister Seamus Lannon stated: “He has a very substantial record. He is someone who can from time to time behave appropriately.
“On occasion it would appear alcohol is what leads to this sort of behaviour, but he is somebody who can keep themselves out of trouble.”
District Judge Eamonn King sentenced McCann to four months in prison suspended for two years.
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