Derg woman tells police officer, ‘I’ll fight you, sir’

A CASTLEDERG woman who was convicted of a number of public order offences told police during an altercation, “I’ll fight you, sir. I’m not scared of you, sir. I’ll fight like a man.”

Donna Wray (47) of Churchtown Park was handed a suspended prison term for a string of offending when she appeared at Strabane Magistrates Court on Thursday via videolink from Hydebank.

All told, the defendant committed offences including assault on police, disorderly behaviour and common assault, on two separate dates.

On the evening of Saturday, July 10 PSNI officers on patrol on Castlederg’s Main Street observed Wray in a “highly intoxicated” condition. She told them, “F*** off b*******,” and was warned about her behaviour. This occurred in front of a large number of people and at one point Wray had to be restrained.

Swearing

She was advised to leave and at first she agreed and began making her way home.

Later however, Wray was observed falling in the road in front of traffic. She was again advised to go home but this time she refused, swearing repeatedly at police. At 11pm she was arrested for disorderly behaviour and as she was being transported to custody, she kicked an officer and offered to fight.

Less than two week’s prior to this, on June 30, police were tasked to Churchtown Park after it was reported by one resident that Wray had been banging on their door. Whilst they were en route, officers received a second report that another woman had been punched in the mouth by Wray.

Upon arrival at the scene officers noted that the injured party had blood on her face. Wray was subsequently arrested.

Having previously pleaded guilty to the offences, Wray appeared visually agitated on Thursday in court, rocking back and forward in her seat.

For the assault on police and associated disorderly behaviour, the defendant was sentenced to two months in prison, suspended for one year.

Prison

And for the earlier assault and disorderly, the sentence was three months in prison suspended for one year. A two-year restraining order was also issued to protect the woman Wray punched in the mouth.