Man spat in face of police officer on night out

Darren Wilson with an address of Humes Villas, Irvinestown was found guilty of disorderly behaviour and assaulting a police officer in relation to an incident on December 21 of last year.

The court heard that on the night in question, police were on patrol in Cross Street, Enniskillen when a female member of the public brought the defendant to their attention.

Wilson was shouting loudly and when police approached him he turned his attention to them, shouting a number of obscenities at them.

The 27 year old was arrested for disorderly behaviour and told the officers to "f**k off", becoming aggressive which resulted in him having to be restrained. While being restrained he spat in the face of one of the arresting officers.

Gary Smyth, representing Wilson, told the court that his client had been out socialising with colleagues before Christmas and had consumed enough alcohol and had decided to go home. He was finding it difficult in getting a way home and had phoned a relative to try and get home when he came to the attention of the police officers.

Mr. Smyth said that his client had entered a plea in a timely fashion and expressed remorse for his actions and had apologised to police for his behaviour. HE added that Wilson had taken steps to address issues with alcohol and that he was not proud of his behaviour on the night.

For the charge of disorderly behaviour, District Judge Michael Ranaghan fined Wilson £175.

For the assault on police, Judge Ranaghan said the aggravating feature was that Wilson had spat on an officer, which was humiliating and ordered Wilson to carry out 40 hours community service and one year on probation.

He added this had been mitigated down by the early plea, apology and what Mr. Smyth had said on his behalf. Judge Ranaghan warned Wilson that if he breached any his probation or community service he would be back in front of the court and sentenced accordingly.