Northern Ireland

Derry man charged with assaulting police week after suspended sentence for shouting abuse at anti-racist protest

The court heard the defendant had a number of dependency issues, including drugs and alcohol

John O’Sullivan appeared before magistrates at Derry Court House
The defendant appeared before magistrates in Derry (Alamy Stock Photo)

A man given a suspended sentence last week for shouting abuse at an anti-racist protest at Guildhall Square in Derry has appeared in court again charged with assaulting police.

Jason Murphy (32) of Dennett Gardens in Derry was charged with the new offence that was said to have occurred on August 13.

Police opposed bail, telling Derry Magistrates Court on Wednesday that they believe Murphy was at risk of reoffending and pointing out that he had 111 previous convictions, including 10 for assaulting police.

They also said he had a number of dependency issues, including drugs and alcohol.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that Murphy had been found on ‘the wrong side of the railings’ by the River Foyle and accepted he ‘has a mountain to climb’ in regards to his addictions.

District Judge Barney McElholm granted bail with a curfew and a ban on all drink and non-prescribed drugs.



He also issued a final warning to Murphy that any further charges will result in a remand in custody.

He will appear again on August 28.