A Lurgan man has paid £200 for the damage he caused to a hospital wall whilst under the influence of alcohol and ecstasy.
The 20-year-old, who struck a wall in Craigavon Area Hospital after taking a “cocktail of drugs and alcohol”, was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.
Nathan Power, of Springwell Gardens, charged with criminal damage, had been given the chance last week at the Magistrates’ Court to return on Friday with the compensation, which he did.
It was outlined how, in the early hours of March 22, police were called to reports of the defendant standing topless in the middle of a street.
When approached by officers Power admitted to have consumed ecstasy and alcohol, which prosecution branded a “cocktail of drugs and alcohol”.
He told officers he wished to go to a hospital.
Officers noted that the defendant was acting strangely but never reacted aggressively towards them.
Power was escorted to Craigavon Area Hospital with police leaving after his parents arrived.
Officers were later called back to the hospital by staff who said the defendant wanted to leave before he received treatment.
It was revealed that Power’s parents tried to convince him to stay but he struck a wall, causing damage estimated at £200.
He was interviewed on March 27 at Lurgan police station where he made full admissions to the criminal damage charge, with officers saying he appeared very apologetic.
Defence counsel stated the defendant, who had recently gained employment as a scaffolder, had been experimenting with ecstasy for the first time on the night in question.
Adding that Power was “very apologetic”, accepted the behaviour was unacceptable and would consent to any community-based order.
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “I believe this type of misbehaviour in a hospital to be inexcusable”.
The defendant was sentenced to 100 hours of community service, but Judge Kelly warned Power that this would be replaced with immediate custody if not completed.
