A man with 93 previous convictions who assaulted a police officer has been sentenced to three months in prison suspended for 18 months.
In sentencing the 41-year-old, the district judge said: “To his credit, although he has 93 previous convictions, in the last six years that offending behaviour has diminished.”
Connor David Tallon, of Meadowbrook, Craigavon had pleas of guilty entered on his behalf to criminal damage, resisting police and assault on police at Armagh Magistrates’, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that at 4am on November 24, of last year, police on patrol of Mahon Road, Portadown observed a Peugeot stationary at a green light, straddling two lanes.
Upon approaching the vehicle it drove off. Officers then followed and signalled for it to stop.
The car brake lights lit up several times before the car came to a stop. It was observed that there were two occupants in the car who appeared to be attempting to switch seats.
Police found a female, who they believed was the driver, sitting on the knee of this defendant, who was sitting in the passenger seat.
Officers spoke to the female and she stated she had not been driving and she did not know who had been.
Due to this, police opted to conduct a preliminary breath test but the female refused to engage and was subsequently arrested.
Following this, Tallon then assaulted one of the officers by grabbing him by the throat. Both men then ended up on the ground and during this altercation a radio earpiece belonging to the PSNI was damaged.
When interviewed, the defendant was said to have made largely no comment remarks.
Prosecution revealed to the court that Tallon had a total of 93 previous convictions on his record.
Defence solicitor Conor Downey stated: “Yes he does have many convictions and of a similar nature, but thankfully over the last few years that has tailed off and he has matured somewhat.
“But his behaviour on this occasion was going back to that of his younger years. Despite his record this is a man who has been in steady employment and that is why he has said he would be unable to engage in community service.”
He added: “I would therefore ask that your worship, if your were minded, to impose some form of monetary penalty or to leave something hanging over his head.”
District Judge Eamon King stated: “To his credit, although he has 93 previous convictions, in the last six years that offending behaviour has diminished.
“He is in full time employment which means he is contributing to society. He has refused community service but in a way I can understand that given he is in full time employment.”
Tallon was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for a period of 18 months.
