A teenager who spat at police and abused staff at Craigavon Area Hospital must appear later this month to learn his sentence.
Court heard that the 19-year-old had amassed 144 previous convictions, with the district judge commenting: “I have probably imposed the vast majority of them.”
Michael Mynes, of Linenhall Street in Armagh, did not appear as his case was due for sentencing at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The defendant is charged with two counts of disorderly behaviour, six counts of assault on police and two counts of criminal damage.
Defence barrister Seamus Lannon explained that Mynes was not present as he was currently receiving treatment at Craigavon Area Hospital and he asked that the matter be dealt with in his absence.
Prosecution outlined that on October 24, at around 12.35pm, police received reports of an intoxicated male who was talking to members of the public on Derrymore Road in Bessbrook.
Upon arrival, this male made off but as police began to speak to members of the public he once more returned.
The individual, who was identified as the defendant, appeared clearly intoxicated, swaying as he stood on the road.
After being advised to move onto the pavement, Mynes attempted to punch one of the officers and had to be restrained.
As the defendant was being conveyed to the police vehicle, he attempted to headbutt one officer and after being taken to the ground spat blood at another.
Due to his conditions, Mynes was subsequently conveyed to the Emergency Department of Craigavon Area Hospital and spat in the cell van en route.
Whilst there, the defendant was abusive to both police and medical staff and this continued despite several warnings.
After treatment, Mynes was returned to a cell van but on the way he once more spat at the face and chest of officers, along with attempting to bite one.
The defendant again spat in the cell van as he was being transferred back into police custody.
District Judge Eamonn King commented: “He has 144 previous convictions and I have probably imposed the vast majority of them.”
Mr Lannon said it was accepted that Mynes, who does not turn 20 until September, had “amassed a very significant record”.
He stated that the defendant had instructed that on the date in question his behaviour was as a result of being “spiked” with a substance he would not normally consume.
District Judge King quipped that Mynes had taken “almost every drug” and “normally quantities in excess of the prescribed limit”.
Mr Lannon submitted that the defendant claimed he “would not normally behave in this particular way”.
The barrister informed court that Mynes was currently at Bluestone receiving “the significant help that he requires”.
He stated: “This behaviour was disgraceful, he accepts that. I would ask that you deal with him in a way that does not immediately deprive him of his liberty.
“Instead of community service, I would ask that your worship defer the matter to allow him to get help.”
District Judge King said: “I am going to defer but I am not going to defer very long. I think there is a certain inevitability for Mr Mynes, he should know given his 144 convictions.”
The case was adjourned until February 24 for the defendant to appear for sentencing.
