Newtownabbey man 'wrestled' with police officer at hospital
A man "wrestled" with a police officer at Antrim Area Hospital in the approach to Christmas.
Joseph Dennis Lockhart (51), of Harmin Crescent, Newtownabbey, admitted charges of disorderly behaviour, and assaulting police on December 22.
He appeared at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, via video link from prison.
He had been under arrest and had been taken to the hospital. He began arguing with police in the waiting area and said if he "wanted to do something handcuffs wouldn't stop him".
He kicked a officer on the leg and bashed handcuffs off walls. The defendant "wrestled" with the officer.
When taken to Antrim Police Station he again struck the same officer.
The defendant had a criminal record from England. A defence solicitor said the defendant was "frustrated" as he had been in pain at the hospital.
The defendant, who had 82 previous convictions, received a three-month jail term.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said that the incident happened in a hospital was an "aggravating feature".