Man jailed for assaulting court staff

Martin Smyth, 24, from Closnamona Court in Belfast, appeared at Lisburn Magistrates Court this week charged with common assault and criminal damage.

The court heard that on April 8 police were tasked to Lisburn Courthouse following a report of a disturbance as a prisoner was being brought back to the cells.

The defendant had refused to leave the court and shouted to a friend to help him. On the way to the cell a custody officer was assaulted.

The defendant punched him in the face, breaking his glasses. His uniform was also ripped and other members of staff had to step in to get the situation under control.

Defence said the defendant had no recollection of the events in question and that he had taken “a considerable amount of drugs the day he was arrested.”

Defence continued: “He has a very difficult drug addiction and he is in the process of addressing this properly since he has been on remand in Maghaberry.”

District Judge Rosie Watters told the defendant she took “a very dim view” of anyone acting in this way in the courthouse. Imposing an immediate custodial sentence of five months, she warned the defendant: “I hope I won’t see you again.”