Man remanded at Derry Court for 'deplorable behaviour' at Altnagelvin Hospital

A man who engaged in what a judge described as 'deplorable behaviour' at Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital has been remanded in custody at the local Magistrate's Court today.

Brendan Walker (42) of Duncreggan Road in Derry appeared charged with disorderly behaviour at the hospital and assault on a police officer on December 7.

The court heard that police were in the hospital and were alerted to a potential fight in A&E.

They found hospital staff standing with the defendant and were told that a member of the public had intervened when Walker was behaving aggressively towards two females but no complaint was made in relation to this incident.

The court heard that Walker was 'shouting and swearing' and despite warnings he persisted and was eventually removed from the hospital.

In the course of this he 'lashed out' at police kicking an officer on the leg.

However, staff requested that he be brought back so he could be triaged.

While the nurses were treating him he was continuously 'using foul language' towards staff.

A police officer said Walker acted 'aggressively throughout the interaction'.

Bail was opposed due to the risk of further offences as the officer said Walker had 19 previous for disorderly behaviour and 20 previous for assault.

A defence solicitor said his client struggled to get bail as he was 'invariably homeless' and had a major problem with alcohol.
The solicitor said that the location of the incident 'takes it to another level.'

Deputy District Judge John Connolly said given the current pressures on medical staff and the medical scare involving young children he would not consider bail.

He said Walker's behaviour had been deplorable and remanded him in custody to appear again on January 5.