A man who threw a box of cereal and orange juice at a member of canteen staff in the Bluestone clinic has been sentenced to two months in prison.
The 28-year-old’s barrister told court that his client had been detained under the Mental Health Act but after two weeks of assessment it was deemed that he was not required to stay, which led to frustration.
David McConnell, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to a single count of common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on May 27, at 9.30am, police received a report that this defendant was being released from the Bluestone clinic at Craigavon Area Hospital.
Upon arrival, officers were then informed that McConnell had assaulted a member of the canteen staff at the premises.
Police spoke with the injured party, who had no lasting injuries as a result.
She explained that the defendant had thrown a box of cereal at her, causing her to fall, before then tossing a carton of juice at her which covered her hair and face.
Defence barrister Sean O’Hare stated that McConnell had been detained under the Mental Health Act but after two weeks of assessment it was deemed that he was not required to stay, which led to frustration.
He said: “This was a minor assault but it still should not have happened.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “Mr McConnell, this would appear to be at the low end of acts of violence but it was a nasty offence. You took this out on a member of the canteen staff, who had nothing to do with your medical treatment.
“They would be the ones with the lowest rate of pay. They should not have to put up with the likes of you pouring orange juice over them.”
McConnell spoke out stating that he had not poured the juice on the injured party but thrown it at her.
District Judge Kelly commented: “Even better, she doesn’t deserve that. It is called respect for other human beings.”
McConnell was sentenced to a total of two months in custody.
