Man jailed for headbutting police officer

Paul Christopher Burke, 34, of Kavanagh Court in Derry admitted two charges of assault and resisting police on dates between 14 and 17 November last year.

A man has been jailed for three months after headbutting a police officer.

Paul Christopher Burke, 34, of Kavanagh Court in Londonderry admitted two charges of assault and resisting police on dates between 14 and 17 November last year.

Londonderry Magistrates' Court was told that police had found Burke in a back garden of an address and when they attempted to remove him, he began struggling with them.

At one stage. he fell to the ground and tensed his body in an attempt to hinder his removal. Then, as they attempted to escort him towards a police vehicle, he headbutted an officer.

Previous assaults on police

A defence solicitor said that her client had since taken "positive steps" to try to stay off alcohol.

Deputy district Judge John Rea described the offences as serious, involving a "deliberate" headbutt on an officer.

He said the accused had "an appalling record", including previous assaults on police, and that the custody threshold had been passed.

Burke was sentenced to three months in prison and he was also ordered to pay £250 in compensation.