Man who was 'aggressive and erratic' and assaulted police suspended at Derry Court

A man who engaged in what a judge described as 'absolutely disgusting, appalling behaviour' believed his drink could have been spiked Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Steven Gill (32) of Aranmore Avenue in Derry admitted assaulting police, common assault and disorderly behaviour on March 24.

The court heard that Gill was informed by a barman at Peadar O'Donnell's that he was barred from the premises.

At this Gill slapped the barman across the face.

He then walked away and then returned and slapped him again.

Police stopped Hill in Waterloo Place and he became 'aggressive and erratic' and refused to get in to a police vehicle.

He had to be restrained by police and he bit one, tried to bite another and pushed his head into the chest of a third.

Gill was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital and his behaviour didn't change and he made threats against police.

He later told police he had no memory of what had happened until he woke up in custody.

Defence counsel Michael Donaghey said these were 'an appalling set of offences.'

He said bar staff nor the police should have to put up with behaviour like this.

The barrister said his client had no memory of the events and while it could not be proved he believed his drink had been spiked as he thought this simply was not like him.

He said Gill had shown' remorse and regret' and had thrown his hands up to the offences.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that he would Gill credit for his guilty plea.

He imposed a sentence of 4 months imprisonment suspended for 3 years and ordered Hill to pay £750 to the Friends of Altnagelvin.