A teenager who spat at police and abused staff at Craigavon Area Hospital will have to wait until later this year to learn his fate as his sentence has been deferred to see if he can “stay out of trouble”.
Court heard that the 19-year-old had amassed 144 previous convictions, with the district judge commenting: “There is no point in me talking to Mr Mynes at length because he does not listen to me but I will give him one last opportunity.”
Michael Mynes, of Linenhall Street in Armagh, appeared 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.
This sentencing had been deferred from last week after Mynes had failed to appear, with his defence barrister Seamus Lannon explaining his client was currently at Bluestone.
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 condition, 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.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Lannon stated: “I have clear instructions that he has been in Bluestone, in and out, but he is progressing.
“This court has dealt with Mr Mynes on a number of occasions that could be seen from his record. He is now seeking and attempting to benefit from the help that he is getting.”
The barrister outlined to the court that one option available was a longer period of deferment in which to see if the defendant would continue to progress.
District Judge Eamonn King stated: “Mr Lannon has quite correctly pointed out that I am unfortunately far too well aware with Mr Mynes, who appeared before me as a juvenile as far back as 2014.
“He has accumulated 144 previous convictions. There is no point in me talking to Mr Mynes at length because he does not listen to me but I will give him one last opportunity.”
He added: “Mr Lannon has asked for the court to stay its hand. Mr Mynes I don’t care where you go or what you do just as long as you stay out of trouble.”
Sentencing in the case was deferred until May 19.
