A Portadown man who punched an ambulance worker who came to his aid and spat at two police officers has been sentenced to nine months in prison.
The district judge told the 30-year-old: “Obviously you have some kind of problem with alcohol but your behaviour was totally unacceptable.”
Robert Wilson, of Ballyoran Crescent, appeared for sentencing on two counts of assault on police, assault on an ambulance worker and criminal damage at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Friday via videolink from Maghaberry.
Prosecution outlined that on July 23, at 1.20am, police received a report of an assault on an ambulance worker in Portadown.
The injured party was punched in the back and arm, whilst trying to treat the defendant.
It was heard that the ambulance was out of service for two hours, as Wilson punched the walls of the vehicle and spat inside it.
The defendant also caused damage to a paramedic’s bag by throwing it.
Upon their arrival, police noted that Wilson appeared highly intoxicated and he spat at two officers as they tried to arrest him.
The defendant struggled violently with police which meant that limb restraints and handcuffs, as well as a spit hood, had to be used.
Prosecution said that the ambulance worker, who had been assaulted, had no lasting injuries for the incident.
Wilson was interviewed, once he sobered up, and during this he stated that he could not remember the incident but apologised.
Defence barrister Joel Lindsay stated: “This was inexcusable. He had been struck earlier in the night and that is why the paramedic had arrived. He instructs that the spitting was a case of him spitting out blood.
“However, it is accepted that there is no excuse, especially in theses circumstances, and he is disgusted with his behaviour.”
He added: “This is a phase he is going through with alcohol, having made attempts to change his ways recently.”
District Judge Rosie Watters stated: “Obviously you have some kind of problem with alcohol but your behaviour was totally unacceptable.”
Wilson was sentenced to five months in prison.
District Judge Watters invoked a suspended sentence of four months making a total of nine months in custody.
