The Darwin Magistrates Court has heard a young Irishman kicked a politician during a press conference because of a drunken dare at the pub.

Darren Heraty, 24, has been convicted of aggravated assault on the now Attorney-General John Elferink, whom he attacked during a media conference in the lead-up to last month's election.

The court heard Heraty was very intoxicated when he accepted a bet of $200 to go up and kick the politician in the buttocks.

Mr Elferink, who is a former policeman, tried to make a citizen's arrest on Heraty but the man escaped before handing himself in a few days later.

Heraty was also convicted of escaping lawful custody.

He said he was sorry for the "stupid, drunk prank".

Heraty was fined $2,200 and given a month to pay or face jail time.

Magistrate Greg Cavanagh says the high number of Irish tradesmen coming before court for drunk misbehaviour is getting to be beyond a joke.

The Magistrate said an assault on a politician was an unacceptable attack on free democratic expression.