Disorderly at Altnagelvin

Mary McGowan, of Foyle Road, pleaded guilty to one charge relating to an incident at the hospital on December 10 last year.

Londonderry Magistrate’s Court heard that the 46-year-old phoned police and when they arrived at her home she couldn't explain why she had phoned them and was highly intoxicated. She told police to f*** off a number of times.

Police returned to her home a short time later after receiving a radio transmission. They knocked on the door and, when there was no reply, they gained entry to her home, fearing for her safety.

Police felt McGowan was in need of medical attention but the 46-year-old became aggressive, telling them she didn't want to go to hospital.

They eventually convinced her to seek treatment, however she continued to be abusive even when they arrived at Altnagelvin.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said McGowan has been off drink for two weeks, which is a “long period of time for her.”

He added that the 46-year-old did not go to the hospital looking for trouble and she had no recollection of the incident.

District Judge Barney McElholm said 'normally any misbehaviour in the hospital leads to an immediate custodial sentence.'

However, he added that this case “can be differentiated from other cases” because it essentially started in her own home.