Lisburn judge warns man who claimed cannabis gave him psychosis that he will go to prison if he offends again
A man who said cannabis gave him psychosis has been charged with number of offences following an altercation in Lisburn city centre.
Gavin Broderick, aged 41, whose address was given as Colinbrook Crescent in Dunmurry, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with criminal damage, disorderly behaviour, assault on police, and possession of Class B drug, namely cannabis.
The court heard that on December 10, 2025 at 10.30pm, police attended Chapel Hill in Lisburn following a report of males fighting in the area.
It was stated that the defendant was sitting on the footpath and threw a shoe at police, which hit one of the officers.
He was arrested and conveyed to custody, during which time he hit out at the vehicle’s central console, causing damage.
Whilst in custody Broderick was searched and a small amount of cannabis was found on his person.
During interview, the defendant accepted the substance was cannabis and that it was for his own personal use.
Speaking from the dock in Lisburn Magistrates Court, the defendant said: “The cannabis gave me psychosis.”
District Judge Rosie Watters commented: “Cannabis is a drug that makes people unempathetic towards other people.
"They become obsessed with what is going on in their own head.”
A defence lawyer said the defendant had been actively engaging with the Probation Service.
He continued: “He describes the day as a very poor lapse in his progress.
"He acknowledges alcohol has a poor effect on his behaviour and he has abstained from alcohol since.”
Ms Watters deferred sentence for six months until August 6, 2026.
She warned the defendant: “If there are any other offences you will go to prison.”