Headbutted a window at Craigavon hospital

Stephen Ian Williamson, Old Bleach Green, Banbridge, appeared last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

At a previous sitting of the court he admitted criminal damage to a window, disorderly behaviour in Craigavon Area Hospital and resisting a police officer.

Sentencing had been deferred and he was dealt with at last week’s court.

A public prosecutor said that on August 25 last year at 11.30pm the defendant was banging on the gates at Banbridge police station.

He was arrested for causing a disturbance and whilst in custody police believed that he swallowed something he had on his person.

They took Williamson to Craigavon Area Hospital where he was aggressive and hostile to members of staff before he cracked glass in a window with a head-butt.

He told an officer if he did not let go of his arm ‘I am going to bite you’.

A barrister representing Williamson said sentencing had been deferred and his client was left in no uncertain terms what would happen if he breached that deferral.

He added that the defendant had kept his side of the bargain and had taken steps to deal with his mental health problems and his addiction to alcohol.

The barrister said Williamson was engaging with various organisations but was still fearful of being sent to custody. He handed in to court money his client had brought with him to pay for the damage.

District Judge, Mrs Bernie Kelly, said that the defendant’s underlying condition was capable of management but it did not benefit from alcohol.

She added that the pre-sentence report was a positive one and Williamson appeared to have been alcohol free since this incident.

She imposed a 12 month probation order with the condition he participates in an alcohol and drug counselling programme and complies with instructions of the person in charge.

“If you come back to court because you did not co-operate you will receive an immediate custodial sentence,” the judge told Williamson.

She also made an order for £200 compensation.