Man ‘threw punches’ at police constables

Craig George Ian Watterson (28), of Coagh Crescent, admitted charges of assaulting two officers, resisting police, driving while unfit through drink or drugs; failing to provide a specimen, having no insurance and no licence.

The court heard the offences happened at Northland Road, Moneymore, on April 29, 2018.

Watterson, who is presently in custody in relation to other matters, was also banned from driving for 18 months.

Imposing the penalties, District Judge Oonagh Mullan recalled that the defendant had crashed a motorcycle into a garden and then walked off.

A prosecuting lawyer said police found him stumbling around on the roadway and he began throwing punches at officers.

She said he continued to violently fight with police. He was asked to provide a specimen which he refused and was arrested.

Counsel said he had to be placed on the ground and restrained.

Defence lawyer Liam McStay said Watterson is currently on remand for other matters and was hopeful of getting a suitable bail address.

“To his credit he has kept out of trouble since this incident,” he added.

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