Randalstown man spat on PSNI officer on way to Antrim Area Hospital
A man spat on a PSNI officer whilst police were taking him to Antrim Area Hospital.
Jonathan Michael Mawhinney (33), of Church View, Randalstown, also spat and kicked out after he was transferred to a cell van on March 1 this year.
He admitted charges of assault on police and criminal damage. When interviewed later the defendant said he couldn't remember what he had done but wished to apologise to the officer he spat on.
A defence barrister said the defendant has "chronic" addiction and mental health problems. Mawhinney had 94 previous convictions.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said that despite the "terrible record" in light of the guilty plea and an expression of remorse he would not jail him but give him a chance to try to address his underlying issues "by remaining at liberty".
The defendant was given a four months prison term, suspended for three years.