Andrew McFadden, 29, of no fixed abode, admitted stealing a St Vincent de Paul charity box containing £50 from Derry's Holy Family Church on March 28.

He also admitted disorderly behaviour in John Street on March 31 and criminal damage to a police cell van on the same date.

Witnesses saw two intoxicated men near the church before the box was smashed and the money taken. The men ran when challenged.

Police arrested McFadden after a fight in John Street where he was identified by CCTV as the instigator attacking a man on the ground.

While being taken to hospital for a head injury, McFadden spat blood in the van, requiring a £100 deep clean.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan noted the church theft as deplorable. She imposed a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered £250 compensation.

Defence solicitor Matt Wilson stated McFadden has 58 prior convictions and no current court orders.