A Portadown man who imitated firing a gun at a police and spat at an officer has been handed a suspended period of imprisonment.
The 32-year-old’s barrister told court: “I have been informed that this is his only case pending which, given his record, is quite a departure from business as usual.”
Robert Wilson, of North Street, pleaded guilty to two counts of disorderly behaviour, common assault, attempted criminal damage and assault on police at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, via videolink from Maghaberry.
Prosecution outlined that on August 26, at 6.40pm, police received reports regarding two intoxicated males on Edward Street, Portadown.
Upon approach by police, both males, one of which was identified as the defendant, became aggressive.
An injured party alleged that these men had kicked her door. When she opened the door to tell them to move on Wilson grabbed her arm preventing her from closing it again.
Both men were subsequently arrested, and during the course of this Wilson spat at one of the officers with the spittle landing on his left arm.
Prosecution explained that the further disorderly behaviour occurred on the Garvaghy Road at around 6pm on the same day.
This defendant was observed gesturing as if firing a large gun towards an officer whilst imitating shots with his mouth.
Upon being questioned by District Judge Bernie Kelly, prosecution confirmed that the attack on the home on Edward Street had been “random”.
Defence barrister Scott McWhinney stated: “Mr Wilson’s record does him no credit. The offences during this particular incident are simply deplorable.
“I have been informed that this is his only case pending which, given his record, is quite a departure from business as usual.”
He added that Wilson had claimed not to have intended to spit at the officer and had apologised almost immediately.
District Judge Bernie Kelly noted that most of Wilson’s record had resulted in periods of imprisonment, but given the length of time he had served on remand alternative disposal would “only delay the inevitable”.
She commented: “There are a number of features in these offences which do raise the levels of seriousness..the injured party for whom this would have been a frightening experience, the assault on police which is a concern in the current climate and the egregious behaviour on the Garvaghy Road is wholly unacceptable.”
Wilson was sentenced to five months in prison suspended for two years.
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