A Derry man has been sentenced to five months in prison after assaulting two people who stopped to help him on a city street. Cormac Burke, 40, of Arran Court, was also ordered to pay £300 in compensation when he appeared before District Judge Ted Magill.

The court heard that shortly before 11pm on 25 June 2025, a couple came across Burke near Kells Walk while he was in distress. When they attempted to help him, he punched both in the face.

The woman lost consciousness and suffered a fractured thumb and serious facial injuries that later required partial facial reconstruction. The man had multiple facial injuries and a sprained ankle.

Prosecutors described the assault as completely unprovoked. They said the couple had been acting as good Samaritans when they were attacked.

When shown photographs of the injuries, Burke became upset and said he was sorry. During a police interview, he said he was ashamed, could have killed someone without knowing it until waking in a police cell, and believed he deserved prison.

Defence counsel Michael Donaghy said the victims had endured a traumatic incident with lasting effects. He said Burke had shown genuine remorse and had no history of violence, and that alcohol was a factor. Donaghy also said that in October 2024 Burke had helped a bus driver who was having a heart attack and the two had remained in contact.

The judge said victim personal statements showed the incident continued to affect both people. The woman was receiving counselling, felt isolated and depressed, and was afraid to go out. The man said the night would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Burke was jailed for five months and ordered to pay £300 in compensation.