Jail for Newtownstewart man who spat at police

A NEWTOWNSTEWART man who spat at police and called them “vermin” and “b*******” has been sentenced to 12 weeks in prison.

Geoffrey Paul Doherty (42) of Meadow Close appeared for sentencing at Strabane Magistrates Court on Thursday via videolink from Maghaberry. He had previously been convicted of assaulting police and disorderly behaviour for offences committed on May 5 this year.

The court heard that on the day on question, police were contacted by a member of the public to say that Doherty had, “lost the plot,” and wouldn’t allow people to leave a house.

Upon arrival at the scene and as Doherty was being arrested, he suggested to officers that they didn’t have enough manpower present to bring him to Strand Road. In the ensuing struggle, Doherty resisted arrest, locking his legs and trying to prevent officers from taking him away. He then became verbally abuseive, calling offiers vermin and b*******. At one stage is also spat at the officers and kicked out.

Noting Doherty’s relevant record, Deputy District Judge John Connolly also highlighted that the spitting took place during the pandemic.

By way of mitigation, defending solicitor, Patrick Roche said the matter arose out of a domestic incident although he agreed that this aggravated the matter.

“The matter was brought on by a heavy intake of alcohol,” Mr Roche told the court.

“Most of his offending relates to alcohol issues.”

“There are gaps in his offending… due to sobriety,” Mr Roche added.

He further noted that his client has already spent 13 weeks in custody and at least seven of these weeks were spent in isolation, after he contracted Covid in prison. Judge Connolly described the spitting as “disgusting.” He handed Doherty 12 weeks in prison however the Newtown man could not be released on time already spend as he faces a bail hearing next week on other matters.