Derry man given suspended sentence after pleading guilty to multiple offences

A man has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court charged with assaulting police, theft and criminal damage.

Kieran Kelly (27) of Barrs Lane in Derry was charged with, on June 2 last year, assaulting police after he had climbed over railings and threatened to jump.

Police spoke to him and offered various mental health services in the back of a police vehicle when he attempted to open the door.

When he couldn't get the door open he struck an officer repeatedly, although no serious injury was reported.

He was subsequently handcuffed and reported for prosecution.

On May 29 last year, Kelly was arrested following the theft of a bottle of whiskey from Tesco valued at £32.50.

When questioned, he admitted to the offence.

Finally, on June 25 last year, he was charged with criminal damage after breaking into Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin and stealing two bottles of alcohol.

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Josie McCaughey (34) of Beraghvale in Derry was on bail for a number of charges including assault, criminal damage and assaulting police in February this year

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Police identified Kelly after viewing CCTV and he was arrested and charged with the offences.

Defence Barrister Sinead Rogan said that Kelly had been in custody for some time and added that the crux of his offending comes as a result of alcohol, but that he is now sober.

He was sentenced to five months in custody, suspended for two years.