Man with 185 previous convictions jailed at Derry Court for punching doctor

A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court today for assaulting a doctor and urinating in Altnagelvin Hospital. 

Paul Farren (34)  of no fixed abode was charged with assault, indecent behaviour and disorderly behaviour, all of which occurred in Altnagelvin Hospital on February 27.

The court heard that Farren was then taken for a brain scan to check for brain injuries after being found lying unconscious in the street. 

While being treated Farren became abusive and then urinated on the floor. 

He was taken into another room and while there he punched the doctor on the shoulder and urinated again. 

When his scan returned clear, Farren was arrested and taken into police custody. 

When interviewed, Farren, who has 185 previous convictions, blamed his behaviour on alcohol, adding that he is epileptic and had not been taking his medication due to knowledge that he would be drinking.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that Farren's previous convictions were of a similar nature. 

He added that the 'last thing he should be doing' is drinking to the level he was, with or without his medication.

He also told the court that Farran 'needed to get his life together' as he had a young family and had been in remand since March for other matters.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that as long as Farren was drinking he would offend. 

Farren was sentenced to four months in custody.