Mayor’s husband gets a suspended sentence

The court heard that Declan Aaron McCallion (34) kicked a man to the head and punched him in the face in an unprovoked assault during an incident on May 19 at Academy Road.

McCallion, of Elaghmore Park, pleaded guilty to common assault, disorderly behaviour and resisting police.

McCallion the husband Mayor of Derry and Strabane and Sinn Fein Councillor, Elisha McCallion approached the victims, who were out for a walk.

They believed he had been following them and when the man turned to speak to him McCallion came towards him, screamed at the man to “put the f****** umbrella down” when he used it to put some space between them. The man shouted at his wife to run and threw the umbrella at McCallion.

McCallion ran after the woman, who managed to make it into her mother-in-law’s home to call police and McCallion then came back towards the man with clenched fists, grabbed the victim from behind and kicked him to the head.

When police arrived McCallion began thrashing his head about and spitting, screamed at the top of his voice and attempted to punch and kick out at the arresting officers. He was restrained during arrest and in interview said he had no memory of the incident.

A solicitor said McCallion appeared to be “undergoing some sort of episode” and was very drunk at the time.

The judge said these sort of offences would normally merit an immediate custodial sentence but the defendant did not have a bad record, had expressed genuine remorse and had been pro-active in dealing with his issues.

Judge McElholm also ordered McCallion to pay £750 compensation to the injured party.