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10 Dec 2025

Courts 'take a very dim view of anyone who spits at police', judge tells Derry man

Cole Quigley (25) of Glenabbey Street in Derry admitted a charge of assaulting police and disorderly behaviour on October 25 this year

Rowdy scenes at Derry Magistrate's Court as anti lock down protesters disrupted proceedings

Derry Magistrate's Court

A judge at Derry Magistrate's Court has said that the courts 'take a very dim view of anyone who spits at police' as a local man was fined heavily for assault on police. 

Cole Quigley (25) of Glenabbey Street in Derry admitted a charge of assaulting police and disorderly behaviour on October 25 this year.

The court heard police observed a intoxicated male in the Guildhall area making gestures towards officers.

He was making gun gestures and throat cutting signs and police spoke to him.

Quigley also gave false details to police and despite being given opportunities to leave the area he refused to do so.

Eventually Quigley was arrested and taken to Waterside custody where he spat at an officer. 

Defence solicitor Paddy McClay said his client acknowledged the seriousness of the offences but also wished to apologise for his actions. 

The solicitor said that Quigley had written a letter of apology to the officer involved. 

Deputy District Judge Suzanne Rice told Quigley that spitting was 'disgusting behaviour'.

She added that Quigley had a record for similar offences and the court had to mark its 'displeasure'. 

Quigley was fined £600 and ordered to pay the officer £250 in compensation.

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