Derry man who 'launched himself at officers' allegedly striking two of them given suspended sentence

A man who appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with assaulting police on May 31 was also given a suspended sentence for offences he had failed to appear for earlier this year. 

Michael McTaggart (50) of Rockmills in Derry was charged with two assaults on police on May 31.

The court heard they believed McTaggart called police to report a non responsive male in an 'attempt to lure police in'.

When police arrived at Rockmills McTaggart was said to have 'launched himself at officers' allegedly striking two of them.

The court also heard that the defendant had failed to attend on March 3 to be sentenced on another matter. 

A police officer told the court that on April 15 2022 police were called to Rockmills where McTaggart was shouting sectarian abuse in the car park.

Police spoke to the defendant who was escorted back to his apartment. 

Shortly afterwards police were called by a woman who said McTaggart was shouting abuse and threatening to burn her out.

READ NEXT: Young man (20s) airlifted to hospital after being struck by golf ball

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that there had been a gap in the defendant's offending. 

McTaggart was sentenced to six months suspended for 12 months.