AN Irvinestown man who was filmed assaulting a man on Snapchat has been sentenced to jail.
Patrick McMulkin (21) of Sally’s Wood, Irvinestown appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court via videolink from Magherberry on Monday charged with obstructing police, disorderly behaviour and common assault in two separate incidents which occurred in 2017.
The defendant was charged with obstructing police and disorderly behaviour on July 3rd 2017 at Necarne Estate, Irvinestown when he became involved in an incident with the police when his friend was being arrested.
In a second incident on December 31st 2017, McMulkin was charged with common assault after police were alerted by a member of the public to a Snapchat video that was circulating in the area of the defendant committing an assault on another male.
Initially the injured party did not attend for medical treatment, but the injuries were observed by the police.
When the injured party did seek medical attention, it was found that he did not suffer any broken bones, but his face was bruised.
Defence barrister Heather Phillips explained that the incident with McMulkin involving the police had escalated very quickly, and that it was a vocal incident rather than physical.
She also explained that thankfully the assault resulted in no serious injuries, and added that the defendant was a troubled young man, and he has been in custody for a substantial amount of time and was now employed within the prison.
Before hearing the case, District Judge Michael Ranaghan viewed the Snapchat video of the assault, and said that it looked like the victim had gave up, but the defendant had continued to beat him.
Judge Ranaghan also added that the police need assistance rather than hindrance when they are working and sentenced McMulkin to a total of six months in prison.
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