A man who punched an ambulance window and attempted to headbutt a police officer outside Craigavon Area Hospital has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
The 25-year-old’s barrister told court that “due to the pressures on the health service, he became frustrated at the lack of immediate treatment and reacted very badly”.
Dalius Beinoras, of Carmeen Gardens in Newtownards, appeared for sentencing on disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and assault on police at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that in the early hours of April 17, an intoxicated male, later identified as the defendant, approached a Red Cross Ambulance parked up at Craigavon Area Hospital.
Beinoras first attempted to gain access to the driver side and then moved to the passenger side. A paramedic on board noted that the defendant had a head injury and advised him to attend A&E.
Beinoras then took an aggressive stance before punching the window of the ambulance which the driver had just put up.
Police were called and upon arrival observed this defendant still stumbling near to the ambulance bay.
As officers restrained Beinoras, he attempted to headbutt one of the constables.
The defendant was taken to Musgrave Police Station and was interviewed the next day once he had sobered up.
During this, Beinoras claimed to have no recollection of events from the night before.
Defence barrister David McKeown told court that this appeared to be “out of character” for his client who appeared with no previous convictions.
He stated: “This appears to have come about due to a combination of alcohol and the head injury which he sustained….due to the pressures on the health service, he became frustrated at the lack of immediate treatment and reacted very badly.
“He hopes never to darken the door of the court again.”
Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers stated: “These are very serious matter and the circumstances of the offences cause the court real concern.”
Beinoras was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for a period of 12 months.
