Local man jailed for assault, theft, and driving offences

Samuel Thompson, Railway Street, Banbridge, was convicted of five sets of offences which happened between July last year and April this year.

The court heard that on July 2 last year the injured party, who had been in a relationship with Thompson, called at his home and she agreed to stay overnight.

The following morning he began to verbally abuse her and closed the toilet door on her head, causing swelling and bruising.

Later that day the injured party further alleged that back at the house he pushed her, causing her to fall to the floor and grabbed her clothing.

For each of the two assaults Thompson was sentenced to three months in prison.

On January 25 this year police were travelling in Banbridge when they saw the defendant who began acting nervously.

Thompson’s eyes were glazed and police saw him throw a small bag on the ground.

He told police: “It just helps me sleep. It’s cannabis for my own use. Sorry I brought this trouble to you.”

For unlawful possession of a class B drug Thompson was fined £150 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

A public prosecutor said that on March 14 this year at approximately 12.50am police were called to an address at Railway Street in Banbridge in relation to a person’s safety.

The defendant’s mother wanted him removed from her home because his behaviour had been unacceptable.

Police asked Thompson to leave and he told them to ‘f—k off’ before jumping off a bed and shoving a constable back.

The defendant had to be restrained but he kicked out at an officer striking him on the leg. Thompson had to be handcuffed and continued to be hostile to police saying ‘go f—k yourself’.

He was sentenced to four months in prison on each of the two assaults on police officers.

Thompson was given six months in prison on each of two shoplifting offences which happened on March 23 this year.

He stole Yankee Candles, valued at £65.97, from Card Cav