A teenager who was disorderly and spat at a police officer at Craigavon Area Hospital has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Court heard the 19-year-old had to be taken to the facility by police due to concerns of the mix of alcohol and drugs he had consumed.
Sam Magwood, of Moss View, Waringstown, pleaded guilty to two counts of disorderly behaviour and assault on police at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he appeared via videolink from Maghaberry.
It was heard that on April 22, at around 6.30pm, police were called to the defendant’s home over concerns about him becoming aggressive after consuming a mix of alcohol and drugs.
Members of the ambulance and police service had to carry Magwood out of the address as he was unable to walk.
It was noted that the defendant’s speech was slurred and his eyes were dilated.
He admitted to consuming alcohol but not any other substance.
Magwood’s behaviour became extremely aggressive and erratic as he refused to get into the ambulance.
The defendant was escorted to hospital by the police. Whilst here he shouted and swore despite several warnings.
It was heard that Magwood also spat at an officer whilst at Craigavon Area Hospital.
Defence solicitor Pat Vernon stated: “When he was taken to hospital by police he had to be placed in ICU because he had taken so much drugs and alcohol.
“He does not remember anything about this incident.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “Does he appreciate how lucky he is to be alive?”
Mr Vernon said: “He has had mental health problems, he was not taking his medication that night.
“Strangely enough he has had these problems for a number of years but it is only over this last year that it has all become too much for him.”
He added: “He has been in custody for two weeks. There is a place in Bluestone for him and at the time he had a clear record.”
District Judge Kelly stated: “Mr Magwood, disorderly behaviour in a hospital, especially making derogatory statements to nurses, I take exceptionally serious, therefore, there is only one penalty I can impose.”
Magwood was sentenced to two months in prison suspended for two years.
