Suspended sentence for 'ashamed and embarrassed' man following altercation in Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital

A man who got involved in an altercation with another man in Altnagelvin Hospital is 'ashamed and embarrassed' by his actions Derry Magistrate's Court heard on Friday.

Ethan Caoimhin Collins (20) of Strand Road in Derry admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour that occurred on July 24.

The court heard that police were in attendance at the hospital when a doctor called for assistance due to two males 'being aggressive towards each other.'

Police were told that Collins was the instigator of the incident and medical staff refused to treat him and asked that he be removed from the hospital.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said the only saving grace for Collins was that he did not abuse hospital staff or other patients.

He said Collins 'deeply regrets' his behaviour and added that he was intoxicated and could not even remember who he had the altercation with.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that this was Collins' last chance.

He said that it was 'a very very serious behaviour' that would have been 'intimidating and upsetting' for other people present.

Collins was given a four month sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay £400 to the Friends of Altnagelvin.