Thug who spat in cop’s mouth is 'poo' to his word as he signs name in faeces on cell wall

In fact Leeroy McDonagh - who has form for similar incidents - was 'poo to his word', having previously told cops he planned to leave his 'skid-mark' every single time they arrested him.

The disgusting 33-year-old appeared this week at Dungannon Magistrates Court where he'd just been charged with chucking a brick through a shop window.

The shopkeeper - shocked at the daylight attack - ran outside to see McDonagh calmly "strutting" away while giving his trademark middle-finger gesture.

McDonagh, who was warned by the judge to be quiet during the hearing, admitted he'd chucked the block through the window and a court heard he had 89 previous convictions.

Nine years ago McDonagh, who has a list of convictions for criminal damage, assault, disorderly behaviour, theft, drug possession and burglary, spat in the mouth of a police officer who was trying to arrest him.

On that occasion McDonagh also tried to grab another cop by the crotch and assaulted another, resulting in him getting three months in jail, having just been released from prison for burglary.

McDonagh, of Sallys Wood, Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh, is now charged with two counts of criminal damage on April 28.

Asked if he understood the charges, McDonagh, who appeared by video-link, replied, "Yes, I broke the window".

A police officer confirmed the charges could be connected, explaining that at around 4pm on the day in question, the owner of a shop contacted police to report his window was smashed and on running outside, had saw McDonagh "strutting" from the scene, before turning and giving a middle-finger gesture.

On returning to his shop, the owner found a block lying inside the smashed window and the damage is estimated to be between £800 and £1,000.

CCTV showed McDonagh carrying out the attack and he was arrested at his home shortly afterwards.

While in a cell at Omagh PSNI Station, he smeared excrement on a wall and "managed to sign his name in faeces".

Opposing bail, the officer pointed to a risk of reoffending and McDonagh's address being very close to the shop.

"The defendant has a long offending history with 89 convictions including criminal damage to police cells," he said.

"True to his word, he stated to officers on a previous occasion that he has been treated wrongly, and every time he is arrested he will continue to damage cells by smearing his own excrement.

"He also has a relatively poor attitude to bail conditions. In the past he has stated this is his country and he will do as he pleases. His attitude speaks for itself. Police do not believe he can be monitored by bail conditions."

A defence barrister suggested bail could be granted with strict conditions, pointing out McDonagh has accepted his culpability.

She said: "There is a relevant record and I can't resile from that, but much of the offending is related to mental health issues. He is unable to offer any significant explanation for his actions. The incident was in the afternoon and there was no attempt to enter the shop or take anything from it."

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said: "This is a case in which I would not be ordering a pre-sentence report as this defendant has no right to one. He is currently under a total of nine months suspended prison sentences. His attitude is disgusting to say the least."

Refusing bail, he added: "I have no faith whatsoever that he will comply with conditions. He will remain in custody as I believe he represents a risk of further offending."

Three years ago we reported how McDonagh was convicted of breaching his bail conditions while awaiting trial for assault.

But the court had to add charges of criminal damage to the cell door after he left his revolting calling card all over the cell wall and door.

And in November 2021 he was back before a judge, who described him as being "completely out of control", for two separate incidents of smearing his faeces all over his police cell walls.

McDonagh will appear again by video-link at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on May 25 for his latest offences including the shop window smash.

steven.moore@sundayworld.com