A Lurgan man who acted aggressively towards Northern Ireland Ambulance Service personnel who were taking him to hospital has been handed a suspended sentence.
Court heard that the 40-year-old had previously managed to stay out of trouble after a similar sentence was imposed in 2016.
Gary McKenna, of Sloan Street, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Court heard that on October 11, police were called to the defendant’s home with regards to his safety.
Officers spoke to McKenna about the concerns and organised for paramedics to take him to hospital.
The defendant was aggressive to ambulance staff en route due to his intoxication.
Whilst in Craigavon Area Hospital, McKenna was abusive and loud despite being warned about his behaviour on several occasions.
The defendant had to be restrained by police and was taken to Lurgan Custody Suite after being deemed by a doctor to have no medical problems.
Deputy District Judge Peter Magill commented that McKenna had been handed a suspended sentence in May 2016, for disorderly behaviour, and had stayed out of trouble since.
Defence barrister Gavyn Cairns stated: “Mr McKenna probably has the most pronounced alcohol problem you are likely to see in this court today.
“He appears with significant damage to his right foot for which he is awaiting surgery.”
Mr Cairns added: “During this offence, Mr McKenna used grossly inappropriate language but his saving grace is that there was no violence.”
Judge Magill said: “This court does not look too kindly on this type of behaviour towards the emergency services. If it had been violent you would be looking at prison.
“It is a shame that you seem to have fallen off the wagon. I am minded to leave something hanging over your head as this is a serious offence.”
McKenna was sentenced to one month in prison suspended for 12 months.
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