Suspended jail term for woman who shouted and swore whilst at Antrim Area Hospital
A woman who shouted and swore whilst at Antrim Area Hospital has admitted disorderly behaviour and has received a four months prison term, suspended for two years.
Padraigin Taylor (27), of Slemish Drive in Ballymena, committed the offence on February 20 this year.
She was also disorderly in Ballymena and assaulted two police officers, on February 17.
She was intoxicated and causing a disturbance at Devenagh Court in Ballymena. She was shouting and being verbally abusive.
She punched a police officer's body armour and struggled in a police vehicle when she lunged at an officer. On March 5 this year she stole items worth £35 from Sainsbury's.
A defence solicitor said that the defendant's life was "scarred" by alcohol abuse and "mental health issues".
He said that there are some "green shoots" of hope and that she has sought assistance and has appointments with Community Addiction and a Mental Health Team.
She "was previously living on the streets of Belfast" but now has her own accommodation.
At Ballymena Magistrates Court on Thursday (April 9) Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne said that the defendant "has overstepped the mark far too many times".
However, he said that he was prepared to suspend a four months prison term for two years.
The defendant is also accused of assaulting a man occasioning him actual bodily harm; possessing a 'beer bottle' as an offensive weapon; and causing criminal damage to property on St Patrick's Day this year. That case was adjourned to Thursday, May 14.