A man who spat inside a police cell van whilst being conveyed into custody has been ordered to pay a fine of £100.
The 41-year-old’s solicitor told court: “The defendant was handcuffed. You can see in the statement that the officer notes saliva like fluid around his mouth. This is unacceptable conduct but he felt there was little else he could do.”
Keith Boylan, of Shanwillan, Rostrevor, had a plea of guilty entered on his behalf to one count of criminal damage at Newry Magistrates’ on Wednesday.
This plea came after two further charges, namely disorderly behaviour and assault on police, were withdrawn.
Prosecution outlined that on July 21, at 1.10am, police received a report of an incident in the Kilkeel area.
Officers arrested the defendant at the scene on suspicion of offences, and whilst being conveyed to Lurgan Custody Suite Boylan spat in the cell van.
It was heard that the defendant had three previous entries on his record but these were noted as being “of some vintage” and unrelated.
Defence solicitor Keith Farrell stated: “It was his conduct which brought him to the attention of police, however, all the other charges were withdrawn.
“The defendant was handcuffed. You can see in the statement that the officer notes saliva like fluid around his mouth, this is unacceptable conduct but he felt there was little else he could do.”
District Judge Eamonn King ordered that Boylan pay a fine of £100, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within four weeks.
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