Suspended sentence for man who admitted disorderly behaviour charges in Altnagelvin Hospital

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how when the ambulance service was taking a man to hospital they had to use their alarm system to request police assistance.

Shane Boyd (56) of Irwin Avenue in Limavady admitted charges of disorderly behaviour in Altnagelvin Hospital and criminal damage that occurred on November 12.

The court heard that police attended after the ambulance crew raised the alarm due to the 'volatile' behaviour.

When police met the ambulance all was calm but when they arrived at the hospital Boyd was abusive to police and medical staff. 

He squared up to police and eventually he had to be removed from the hospital and taken to a cell van. 

Once there he urinated in the van despite being offered toilet facilities. 

The court heard that nurses who tried to triage Boyd were unable to do so. 

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client was 'deeply ashamed' of his behaviour but had sustained a serious head injury which meant he should not have taken alcohol.

The solicitor said that Boyd had asked him to apologise to police and medical staff. 

Deputy District Judge John Connolly said that hospitals were under so much pressure these days and 'the last thing they needed' was someone acting this way.

He said if it wasn't for the brain injury there would have been immediate custody. 

Boyd was given a five month sentence suspended for 12 months.