Attacked police plus paramedic

Attacked police plus paramedic

6 April 2022

A DOWNPATRICK man broke a policeman’s ribs and assaulted a paramedic just after he was involved in a fight, the local court heard last Thursday.

Liam Graham (30), of Leaside Gardens, was given a five-month suspended jail sentence after he admitted charges of assaults on police, resisting police, assault and disorderly behaviour on November 4, 2017.

The court heard that police received a report of men fighting in the Ballymote Walk area of the town. On arrival they followed a trail of blood which led them to Rathbeg Close.

A prosecutor said that when they entered Graham’s flat, they saw he was in need of medical attention as he was bleeding heavily on his face.

But as they went to help him, Graham struck out at the officers, leaving one with broken ribs. He also assaulted a paramedic as he was being transferred to hospital for treatment.

Defence barrister Adrian Higgins said Graham was in an emotional state after having been involved in an assault in which he suffered a broken nose and a head injury, and had lost a lot of blood. 

“When officers found him, he was both crying and being aggressive, oscillating between aggression and depression and did not realise that he was being helped,” said Mr Higgins. 

He offered Graham’s “sincere and genuine” apologies to the police officers and emergency services.

District Judge Amanda Brady told Graham that his behaviour towards the police officers was “inexcusable”.

She added: “I see the assault on the paramedic, someone who tried to help you, as particularly deplorable.

Graham was also banned from driving for three months and fined £225 for driving without insurance and a driving licence in Downpatrick on January 15 this year.