Coleraine man was a 'nuisance' to the police and hospital staff

North Antrim Magistrates' Court heard that Martin Damien McLaughlin (36) of Laurelmount Road was found lying on the road in the Waterside area of the town by passers by.

The defendant had a large bump to his head and a passing police car was flagged down by those helping him.

McLaughlin refused to give the officers his personal details and there was a strong smell of alcohol off him.

An ambulance was called but the defendant refused medical treatment before becoming abusive towards police. A struggle ensued as officers tried to take McLaughlin to the ambulance for treatment and he shouted: "I'm for the bridge."

Officers then decided it would be best to take him to hospital in their police car, but the defendant was struggling and had to be physically placed in the vehicle.

At the hospital McLaughlin had to be physically removed from the vehicle. Once inside he told staff he didn't know his name before he started shouting at the police officers. McLaughlin continued to be abusive and shouted: "I'm going on hunger strike."

He was subsequently arrested but again struggled with officers as they tried to put him in the car. On arrival at Coleraine Police Station he attempted to headbutt the car window and had to be restrained again.

Defence told the court that McLaughlin had no recollection of the event due to the combination of the head injury and the amount of drink he had taken and that he has been trying to piece the events together.

Court heard that McLaughlin was very apologetic about his behaviour and that he has no ill will towards the emergency services as part of his job means he actually works alongside them from time to time.

District Judge, Mr Richard Wilson, sentenced McLaughlin to a three month prison term, which he suspended for two years, telling him: "I don't appreciate people who misbehave at the hospital. You were taken there for your own safety and you ended up being a nuisance."