A Belfast man has been sentenced to 18 months probation after admitting disorderly behaviour and assaulting police in Derry.

Ryan Patrick Smith, 39, of Devonshire Street, Belfast, appeared before the city's Magistrates Court charged with offences linked to an incident on Clooney Terrace on May 8.

The court heard that police were called to a report and found Smith, who told them he had recently left hospital where he was being treated for drug-related issues.

Smith then verbally abused a woman who had tried to help him before turning his anger on officers at the scene. When he tried to walk away and police moved to detain him, he became aggressive and shouted sectarian abuse.

Smith admitted a charge of being disorderly and a further charge of assault on police arising from the same incident.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan told the court her client was upset by his own behaviour. Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne remarked that the conduct appeared out of character for Smith.

Smith was sentenced to 18 months probation.