A MAN who knocked out a police woman during his arrest has been given a chance to stay out of prison.
Hugh John Elliott (37) of Baragh Gardens, Ballinamallard appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday for sentencing on charges of disorderly behaviour, criminal damage, two counts of resisting police, and two counts of assault on police. The charges related to two separate matters.
The first incident took place on Sunday, June 5th. Police were attempting to arrest Elliott, who was drunk, and he became aggressive. He pushed out at the officers, shouting “get the f**k off me”. One fell to the ground and was knocked out for a brief time. She did not need medical treatment, but had to go home from her shift as a result.
The second set of charges related to August 18th when a taxi driver called police to say Elliott was drunk in the back of his car at the Lakeland Service Station on Queen Street, close to the police station. Officers attended to check if Elliott was OK. He began shouting at them, was aggressive, and tried to grab an officer’s head.
Force was needed to arrest Elliott and he spat in the police van en route to the station.
Defence barrister Ciaran Roddy said both incidents were similar and involved alcohol. He said the taxi incident had been a “disgraceful” way to act towards police officers who were there to help him.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan said this was Elliott’s 11th and 12th set of convictions for offences against police. Taking note of the fact Elliott was currently subject to a probation order, he deferred sentencing for four months to allow him to continue to engage. Judge Ranaghan warned Elliott if he did not engage with the order, or reoffended, he faced a five month prison sentence.
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Posted: 9:00 am October 3, 2019