A 24-YEAR-OLD man who told police to "f**k off" and tried to headbutt one of them while they responded to an incident at a house in Derrygonnelly has had his sentence deferred for six months.

District Judge Steven Keown convicted Jeremy McCordick, of Cleenish Park, Enniskillen, of disorderly behaviour, assault on police and resisting police, concerning the incident on February 21.

The court heard that on that date, police were responding to a report of a disturbance at a house in Derrygonnelly.

Upon arrival, the defendant came out of the house and aggressively approached the police officers, threatening to assault them, and had his fists clenched.

The occupants of the house, who called the police, said the 24-year-old was scaring young children who were present at the time.

When spoken to by police, McCordick responded: "F**k off."

The defendant continued to act aggressively and was arrested as officers feared for their safety.

While in the police vehicle on the way to custody, McCordick attempted to headbutt an officer, and was subsequently further arrested.

Myles McManus, representing the 24-year-old, told the court his client's early plea was the best point he could make on McCordick's behalf.

He said the charges place the defendant at serious risk – something McCordick understood. Mr. McManus said the defendant was co-operating well with Probation.

Mr. McManus added that when McCordick consumes intoxicating liquor, he behaves in a manner "entirely unacceptable", and it was made worse by the arrival of the police.

He also admitted that the incident would have been terrifying for the children in the house.

Judge Keown weighed the incident, which took place while McCordick was under a suspended sentence and probation order, against the positive report from Probation, and told him that one way he would not go to prison was to defer sentencing for six months.

Deferring the sentencing until November 8, Judge Keown warned McCordick that if he did not fully engage with Probation, or did not stay out of trouble, he would be dealt with through a custodial sentence.