Man spat at custody officer

AN Omagh man spat at a custody officer at the police station and threw food around a cell after he was apprehended for stealing goods from a local shop.

Thomas McDonagh (25), of Clonmore Gardens, admitted the theft of three Nike polos, a Nike hoodie, a Nike zip hoodie and Nike Academy trousers to the value of £179.95 from Sports Direct on May 5, as well as assault of the officer, causing damage to a cell and possession of the Class C drug Zopiclone. The prosecution said there was no indication of whether there was a loss to the shop.

He received a jail term of four months, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to pay compensation of £41 to the PSNI for damage caused to the cell.

For possession of the drug, he received a conditional discharge for a year.

The court was told that two males were observed in the Nike area of the store appearing to pick up and remove security tags from items. They left the premises without making any attempt to pay.

McDonagh was identified and later arrested. He spat at a detention officer in the police station, with the saliva hitting his arm and chest. He also threw food around the cell which “plastered” the wall.

Defence barrister, Joe McCann, said his client had a “relatively limited” record. He also stated that McDonagh has had “issues” since receiving a brain injury.

District judge, Peter Prenter, told the defendant that spitting was a “pretty nasty thing to be doing”.