Six months jail term for Ballymena man who was disorderly at Antrim Area Hospital
A man who was disorderly at Antrim Area Hospital on December 29 last year has received a six months jail term.
James McDowell (34), with an address listed as Demesne Avenue in Ballymena, was at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday. He had a previous record.
The court heard he had thrown himself onto the floor and was refusing to leave after being discharged. He refused to get up for police and was blocking a corridor with his legs.
On August 19 last year he was disorderly at Demesne Avenue and attempted to damage a police vehicle.
The court was told he had a "drug overdose" and "came round".
When taken to a police vehicle he "began to violently headbutt" a window.
A defence barrister said it was accepted a hospital has to be a "place of sanctuary" and such behaviour could not be tolerated.
He also said police officers are public servants and should not have to tolerate such behaviour.
Deputy District Judge Alan White activated four suspended sentences and handed down a total sentence of six months. £500 bail was fixed for appeal of the sentence.
The judge refused to release the defendant pending appeal as a report said he was a "high risk of re-offending".