Punched victim without provocation

Lee Bassett (34), of Meeting Street, Dromore, was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of resisting police and disorderly behaviour.

The offences occurred on May 14 of last year. The court heard that on that date, police were tasked to Smithfield Street, Lisburn where they observed a male lying on the ground, he had been assaulted by the defendant. When police spoke to the defendant he was clearly intoxicated and his speech was slurred. It was added that whilst in custody he assaulted a custody sergeant.

A defending solicitor told Lisburn Magistrates’ Court that this offence was at the “lower end” of an assault occasioning actual bodily harm offence.

District Judge Rosie Watters sentenced Bassett to seven months in prison but suspended it for two years, and ordered him to pay £250 compensation to the victim.