Derry judge says 'deterrence has to take precedence' when it comes to hospital offences
Jamie Bowers (31) with an address at Churchlands Road in Coleraine admitted one offence of criminal damage
A judge at Derry Magistrate's Court has said 'the time is coming very fast' when deterrence has to take precedence over individual circumstances when it comes to hospital offences.
Jamie Bowers (31) with an address at Churchlands Road in Coleraine admitted one offence of criminal damage to a perspex screen at Altnagelvin Hospital on April 14.
The court heard that police were called to a report of a male smashing a perspex screen.
When interviewed Bowers said he had no recollection of the incident due to his drug and alcohol intake.
Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that Bowers had completed a probation order.
District Judge Ted Magill said these offences were becoming 'all too common'.
He added that Bowers had 'considerable difficulties' but there had been no violence.
He sentenced Bowers to six months in prison suspended for three years and ordered him to pay £250 in compensation.