A Banbridge man who spat at a police officer following arrest for possession of Class C drugs has been ordered to pay compensation of £250.
Sentencing the 28-year-old, the deputy district judge commented: “As far as I am concerned, those found in possession of Class B or C are their own worst enemy and it will kill them. I am more concerned with the spitting at a police officer.”
John Martin Duffy, of The Meadows, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of Class C and assault on police at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on March 14, police had reason to arrest the defendant and during a search a bag of yellow tablets were found on his person.
Whilst in custody, a blister pack containing nine further tablets were also seized and Duffy spat at an officer as he left his cell, hitting him on his body armour.
The substances were later identified to be diazepam and pregabalin.
Defence barrister Damien Halloran told court that the defendant was currently under a probation order and that he was “not one to shy away” from accepting an addiction to prescribed medication.
Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes stated: “As far as I am concerned, those found in possession of Class B or C are their own worst enemy and it will kill them. I am more concerned with the spitting at a police officer.”
Duffy was handed a conditional discharge for 12 months and was ordered to a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
In addition, the defendant was also ordered to pay compensation in the form of £250 on relation to the spitting offence.
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