Enniskillen Court House, RMGFH04
AN Enniskillen man has been given a suspended sentence after he assaulted five police officers when being arrested for damaging a chip shop window in Derrygonnelly.
Ryan Masterson (22) of Cornagrade Road was charged with criminal damage and five counts of assault a police officer at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday.
On December 17 last year police responded to reports of damage to a window at Chips and Co, Derrygonnelly. When they arrived the found a window had been damaged at the premises.
Masterson had been allowed to use the landline of the premises when he caused the damage, and the officers viewed CCTV footage of the incident. In interview later Masterson admitted he had had an argument with his mother before causing the damage.
When they attempted to arrest Masterson for criminal damage he took off his top and said “you’re going to have to take me the hard way”, and a struggle ensued. Police had to use their batons, handcuffs and leg restraints, and had to call for back up to assist them in the arrest. In the struggle Masterson punched and kicked five police officers, knocking one over.
Defence barrister Stephen Fitzpatrick said while there was no excuse for Masterson’s behaviour, but said he had a “difficult background.” Mr Fitzpatrick said Masterson was engaging with community mental health services and addiction services, and accepted he had a problem with substance abuse.
Mr Fitzpatrick said the defendant had paid £132 in compensation for the damaged window, and was making efforts to gather money to pay compensation to the police officers. He said Masterson had not been involved in any other incidents since, and asked for the court to consider a suspended sentence so he could be allowed to continue making amends to the court.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said Masterson had been afforded a deferred sentence on his last appearance in court, and “had it in mind” to give him a custodial sentence unless he didn’t reoffend. Since he hadn’t reoffended since, Judge Broderick sentenced him to five months in prison suspended for two-and-a-half years for criminal damage. For the assaults Masterson was sentenced to a further five months in prison, suspended for two-and-a-half years, and ordered to pay £100 compensation to each officer, with 26 weeks to pay.
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