A man who assaulted police who came to the aid of ambulance personnel who were treating him for a head injury has been sentenced to four months in prison.
Sentencing the 29-year-old, the district judge told court: “Looking at his record, it started in 2010 and he now has 108 entries. There is nothing glamorous or exotic about drugs. Stephen’s life is the reality.”
Stephen Anthony McEvoy, with an address of HMP Maghaberry, had pleas of guilty entered on his behalf to three counts of assault on police, resisting police and possession of Class C drugs at Newry Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecution outlined that on July 19, of last year, at 6.35am police received a call for assistance from the ambulance service in Stony Hill, Newry.
Upon arrival, officers observed a male with a gash to his head. He appeared aggressive and erratic.
The male, later identified as the defendant, charged at officers holding an unknown object and had to be restrained on the ground.
McEvoy continued to struggle, kicking out at officers, biting one of the forearm and spraying blood on others.
He resisted as police restrained him, while paramedics tended to his injury.
During a search, a small plastic container of an unknown substance which was located in the defendant’s underwear was seized.
Through forensic analysis this was later confirmed to be buprenorphine, a class C drug.
During interview, McEvoy made no comment to questions put to him by police.
Defence barrister Seamus Lannon stated that his client’s time in custody had allowed him to “reflect on what he wants to do with his young life”.
He commented that the defendant had no issues until he turned 18 as he began “taking drugs, alcohol and keeping bad company”.
District Judge Eamon King stated: “Looking at his record, it started in 2010 and he now has 108 entries. There is nothing glamorous or exotic about drugs. Stephen’s life is the reality.”
McEvoy was sentenced to a total of four months in prison for the offences before the court.
