County Derry man who spat inside police cell van believed his drink was spiked, court hears

A County Derry man who spat inside a police cell van after being arrested for being disorderly on St Patrick’s day has been fined.

John Cartin, of Sperrin View in Magherafelt, was charged with criminal damage and disorderly behaviour when his case came before the town’s magistrates’ court today (Wednesday).

The court was told the charges relate to an incident in Magherafelt on March 17.

Police observed Cartin standing in the car park at Rainey Street and when they approached him he walked away.

The court heard that the 35 year-old was holding a dog in his arms however he set it down and approached police in an aggressive manner with his chest puffed out and fists clenched.

Cartin began to shout and swear at officers and made multiple threats before he was arrested for disorderly behaviour.

Police placed the defendant in a cell van where he began to spit.

Cartin’s solicitor Stephen Atherton told the court that his client has never been involved in this type of behaviour before.

Mr Atherton said Cartin claims that he had been out drinking on the day in question and believes that his drink had been spiked as he didn’t feel well.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan fined Cartin £250 and ordered him to pay an additional £100 in compensation for the criminal damage.