A Portadown man who urinated and defecated on the floor of a Co Armagh train station after being informed the facilities were closed has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
The district judge told the 55-year-old: “This is absolutely disgraceful behaviour. You have an enviable record spanning a significant period of time, the vast majority of which is intertwined with your alcohol problem.”
John Hatton, of Orran Fold/ Rose Cottages, appeared for sentencing on two counts of assault on police, disorderly behaviour, criminal damage and indecent behaviour at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on April 18 of last year, at 8.45pm, police received a report of a male who had urinated and defecated at Portadown Train Station.
Upon arrival, officers located the defendant who appeared heavily intoxicated with wet jeans.
Police viewed CCTV from inside the station which confirmed the male in question to be Hatton.
Staff stated that the defendant had come into the train station to use the bathroom but when informed they were closed pulled down his trousers before urinating and defecating on the floor.
Officers approached Hatton on a residential street. He began shouting and swearing, continuing despite numerous warnings.
The defendant then became aggressive, grabbing at police bodycams, kicking out at one officer before spitting at them.
Hatton was restrained until he calmed down and when cautioned proceeded to spit at another officer.
Defence barrister Conn O’Neil stated: “This was a desperate situation. There has been a gap in offending from the date of these offences to now but he knows he is at the mercy of the court.
“Probation could help assist with his issues going forward but it really is up to Mr Hatton.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “This is absolutely disgraceful behaviour. You have an enviable record spanning a significant period of time, the vast majority of which is intertwined with your alcohol problem.
“The fact is that until you deal with your alcohol problem you will continue to be involved in the criminal justice system.”
Hatton was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for a period of two years.
