A Lurgan man who assaulted an officer who allowed him into the back of a police vehicle to get warm has been fined £200.
Court heard the 52-year-old, who claims to be alcohol dependent, was also sentenced for two assaults on police earlier this year.
Paul Christopher Withers, of Sloan Street, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on May 2, at 8.10pm, officers found the defendant highly intoxicated on Sloan Street in Lurgan.
Officers allowed the defendant to sit in the back of the police Land Rover as he was cold.
Whilst there, Withers became agitated and this continued despite him being warned about his behaviour.
The defendant then grabbed an officer with both hands and pushed him against the rear of the Land Rover.
Defence counsel stated: “Mr Withers accepts that he was highly intoxicated and he accepts that he pushed the officer.
“The last entry in his record is from May. That was for two assaults on police. Mr Withers is alcohol dependent and has been for many years.”
She added: “There is very little else that can be said.”
Withers was ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
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