A Loughgall man who was convicted of assaulting a police officer will have to wait until next month to learn his fate.
Court heard the charges against the 38-year-old dated back to 2018 after police were tasked to an incident in Portadown.
William Erroll Lennon, of Loughgall Mews, was convicted in his absence of resisting police, assault on police and disorderly behaviour at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The case had been listed for a contest but defence barrister David McKeown informed the court that his client was not present and he was not aware of the reason for this.
Reading the evidence from a constable, Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer outlined how on December 15, of 2018, the two officers had been on patrol in Portadown.
At 1.40pm, they were directed towards Mandeville Street by CCTV operators in relation to an altercation.
Upon arrival, officers observed a group of people and felt as though a fight was about to start.
Whilst one constable was attempting to remove another male from the crowd, he was approached at speed by the defendant and the officer had to shield himself as he was in fear of violence.
Lennon was taken to the ground and handcuffed before being place in the rear of a police cell van.
Court heard that an alternative disposal had been offered to the defendant but he had refused to engage.
Deputy District Judge Mateer asked Mr McKeown if he had any submissions to make.
He commented that he failed to see how the disorderly behaviour offence was made out.
Deputy District Judge Mateer stated that assault in a public place was sufficient to warrant a disorderly behaviour and convicted Lennon of all charges in his absence.
A presentence report was ordered and the case was adjourned until October 22 for an update.
