Help for people with Autism and ADHD in this jurisdiction is ‘very poor’ says Craigavon judge sentencing Lurgan teenager to three months in jail

Caolan O’Neill, aged 19, from Belvedere Manor, Lurgan, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court via video link From Hydebank on Friday charged with possession of an offensive weapon and three counts of common assault.

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A Prosecutor said the possession of the offensive weapon charge could be withdrawn.

The court heard that on Thursday February 13 this year at around 7.30pm police were tasked to a domestic incident in Lurgan.

"On arrival police detained the defendant to prevent him from causing further injury to anyone else,” said the prosecutor, adding O’Neill appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

She revealed that the injured parties, who were the defendant’s family, said O’Neill had "displayed violent behaviour towards his younger brother by punching him, striking him to the head and biting his hand”.

The injured party was able to restrain him until his father and sister arrived to help, the Prosecutor told the court.

Then O’Neill is alleged to have grabbed something in the kitchen and threatened the injured party with it. “They all then exited the kitchen to allow the defendant to calm down,” she said.

O’Neill’s father said his son was aggressive to all injured parties. The defendant’s father suffered a cut to his hand while the other two sustained multiple strikes to their heads.

"The family were all extremely upset and emotional about this incident,” she told the court.

During his interview following arrest O’Neill replied "No Comment” to all questions.

O’Neill’s barrister Mr John Paul McCann said there was "quite a sad” background and O’Neill had no record until 2023. He said his client’s father was in court to support him and O'Neill had struggled with mental health issues for many years, diagnosed with Autism and ADHD.

Mr McCann said the family never wanted to proceed with these matters but there was body-worn video or his client had made admissions in custody. He added that the only bail address O’Neill had was his family home and that is why he appears to have spent so much time in custody.

"The family do find him difficult to manage at times. They love him dearly but he is difficult to manage,” said Mr McCann, who added that when O’Neill took his medication he is “quite calm and placid”.

"If he takes alcohol or illicit substances at all, things escalate. The family then seek assistance from the police, not with a view to prosecution but simply with a view to de-escalate matters. Then convictions are secured,” said Mr McCann, who added, having spoken to his father, that they “have to come up with a better way of dealing with this”.

“He comes from a very good family” said Mr McCann. District Judge Michael Ranaghan said: “The presence of his father in court exemplifies that today."

"This family needs protection but they show genuine care,” said the District Judge who said help in this jurisdiction for those suffering from Autism or ADHD is “very poor”.

The defendant was sentenced to three months in prison to run concurrently. “That should bring about your release soon,” said the District Judge.