A LISBELLAW man who kicked a policeman in the groin has been detained under the mental health order, Fermanagh court has heard.
Stuart White, of Main Street, Faughard, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and resisting police arrest.
The 30-year-old was given a conditional discharge of 18 months.
On February 25, last year, police were searching the defendant in regards to another matter outside Tesco and was arrested for another offence. After refusing to get into the police vehicle, police had to force White into the car and he was taken to Enniskillen police station.
While waiting in a cell the defendant stood up and kicked an officer in the groin.
The officer lost his balance and fell over and was lying on the ground for about five minutes.
White had to be restrained by three officers. The court was told that the injured officer suffered tenderness in his groin area.
Defence barrister Gavin Cairns explained that White had been detained under the mental health order and is currently living in a special home.
“He has been living under care for the last six months and had been in care at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital. He has served the same as a custodial period.
“His last conviction was in 2014 for an offence in 2012.”
District Judge Nigel Broderick said: “There is an exception that he has been a patient in hospital as far back as March. Where it not for that fact I would take a different course.
“He does not have to pay compensation as the defendant is an inpatient under the mental health order and here is no imminent plans to discharge him.”
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