A 51 year-old man who caused bruising to two police officers after punching one in the chest and one on the arm pleaded guilty to assault when he appeared before Magherafelt Magistrates Court this morning.

William Linton of Lismoyle Road, Swatragh committed the offences on April 24 last.

A prosecuting solicitor told the court that at approximately 5.30pm on the date in question police were dealing with the defendant in respect of other matters.

When talking to Linton, the two female police officers were subjected to aggressive behaviour by him, the court heard.

He then punched one officer in the chest and while attempting to punch her on the face, a second female officer was struck on the arm while blocking the punch, the court was told.

Both officers suffered bruising as a result, the court heard.

During an interview, the defendant admitted assaulting both police officers and apologised for his behaviour.

A defence barrister told the court that the defendant ‘had taken his frustration out on the officers’.

He said: “He accepts that his behaviour was unacceptable. He has two letters of apology with him at court today to give to the two police officers involved.

“The background of the incident is quite unfortunate. He had had a row with his ex-partner over their belongings when she was moving out and he simply took his frustration out on the police officers when they intervened,” said the solicitor.

District Judge Bernie Kelly fined the defendant £415.

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