Northern Ireland

Man (23) ordered to pay compensation for assaulting students' union bouncers

James Murray was told to complete 60 hours' community service for his "disgraceful" behaviour at Queen's University students' union in Belfast
James Murray was told to complete 60 hours' community service for his "disgraceful" behaviour at Queen's University students' union in Belfast James Murray was told to complete 60 hours' community service for his "disgraceful" behaviour at Queen's University students' union in Belfast

A 23-year-old man who assaulted two students' union bouncers after being woken from a drinking binge must pay each of them £100 compensation, a judge has ordered.

James Murray was also told to complete 60 hours' community service for his "disgraceful" behaviour at the Queen's University facilities in Belfast.

Murray, of Dufferin Park in Downpatrick, Co Down, had been sleeping on a sofa when approached by one of the security officers on May 19 last year.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard that he pushed the member of staff away, put a finger in his mouth and held it there in the form of a hook.

As colleagues took hold of Murray and accompanied him to the door he spat on one of them, a prosecutor said.

He was then restrained on the ground until police arrived.

During interviews Murray claimed to have no memory of the incident due to his state of intoxication.

But according to the prosecution he also said he was "not sorry for punching the bouncers".

Defence barrister Luke Curran said his client is ashamed of how he acted under the influence.

"It was his 23rd birthday out with friends and the FA Cup final day, he was drinking much more than he should have."