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06 Feb 2026

'Prolific offender' jailed for assaulting two 14-year-old girls and police officer

Damien Joseph Young (59) of no fixed abode admitted assaulting two 14-year-old girls on December 10 last as well as assaulting a police officer on the same date and disorderly behaviour

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

Derry Magistrates' Court

Reporter:

Court Reporter

06 Feb 2026 1:49 PM

Email:

news@derrynow.com

A man with 455 previous convictions who was described by a judge as 'a prolific offender' has been jailed at Derry Magistrates' Court today. 
Damien Joseph Young (59) of no fixed abode admitted assaulting two 14-year-old girls on December 10 last as well as assaulting a police officer on the same date and disorderly behaviour. 
The court heard that the two girls were walking across the Guildhall Square and were approached by Young who spat at one of them and put the other in fear of assault. 
A bus driver intervened and was verbally abused by Young.
The incident was captured on CCTV and police arrived and the defendant spat on the face of one officer striking her on the cheek and lips.
Deputy District Judge John Connolly said Young was 'clearly a recidivist offender' and sentenced him to 5 months immediate custody. 

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