Man admits charge of disorderly behaviour in Altnagelvin Hospital

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a man with a 'very serious problem with alcohol' has been told his life expectancy is only a matter of a few years if he continues on as he is doing.

Andrew McMillan (32) of Shearwater Way in Derry admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour in Altnagelvin Hospital and a charge of criminal damage to a chair on March 10 this year. 

He also admitted a charge of stealing goods valued at £206 from Marks & Spencers on February 11.

The court heard that at 4am on March 10 police were called to A&E after reports of a intoxicated male acting aggressively. 

Staff told police that McMillan had been shouting and swearing and other patients had to be moved due to his behaviour. 

He had also damaged a chair valued at £400. 

The court further was told that on February 11 at 4.15pm police were called to Foyle Street after reports of a theft from the M&S store in Foyleside. 

They found the defendant lying unconscious in the street with a shopping basket containing the stolen goods. 

Defence counsel Brendan Kearney told the court that a pre-sentence report had been ordered but it had not been possible to complete it. 

He said that one thing in his favour was that he had brought £400 in compensation for the damage to the chair. 

District Judge Alan White said it was 'a sad case' and said his first reaction was to impose an immediate custodial sentence as the court takes 'a serious view' of disorderly behaviour in hospital. 

However, he added he was not sure custody would do any good. 

He sentenced McMillan to 8 months in prison suspended for two years and ordered him to pay compensation of £400.