A man who headbutted his partner during a domestic incident and also assaulted two police officers has been given a suspended sentence.

On January 8, police were called to a report of a domestic incident at Main Street, Ballinamallard, where they spoke to the injured party, who was upset and had an egg-sized lump on her forehead.

She said Christopher Rice (31), of Main Street, Ballinamallard, had headbutted her, punched her twice and elbowed her head.

Rice told police he would not open the door unless they had a warrant, and when they tried to open it, he blocked it with his body.

When police gained entry, Rice struggled with them, lashing out at one, causing a cut to the eye and bruising.

During interview at Omagh Police Station, Rice said he had very little recollection due to intoxication, but accepted if the injured party said it, it must have happened, and he apologised.

His solicitor, Gary Black, pointed out to the court there was no statement of complaint made by the injured party, and whenever Rice was interviewed, he accepted the verbal complaint that was made.

He said the defendant had a poor recollection of events, and asked for maximum credit for Rice's admission despite no complaint against him.

Mr. Black said there was no previous domestic history between the Rice and his girlfriend, the injured party, who was described as being a "positive influence" on his life.

On this particular occasion, Mr. Black continued, alcohol consumption which was out of the ordinary played a part, and Rice very much regretted the incident.

The court heard Rice had been in custody since the incident – the equivalent of a two-month sentence – and had continued to communicate with his partner.

Mr. Black asked the court for credit for how Rice had approached the case, and also that he wished to apologise to the officer involved.

Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne said the custody threshold had been passed, and that his immediate reaction was a custodial sentence.

But, he added Rice had already been in an environment which was totally alien to him, and sentenced him to five months, suspended for 18 months, for resisting police, assault on police and common assault.

Judge Browne said it was "shocking behaviour" from Rice, and this will give him the chance to prove himself.