Magherafelt man placed on probation for abusing health clinic staff

Brian Stewart Coulter, Princes Terrace, admitted disorderly behaviour in the Diamond Health Centre at Market Street on April 17.

The local Magistrates Court heard that Coulter went into the health centre drunk and became verbally abusive when he was told he was no longer registered as a patient there.

A PPS lawyer said he banged his fists on the counter and began shouting about another man who was a patient waiting to be seen in the centre.

The court was told Coulter shouted “this isn’t over I am going to kill that b*****d” and also made other comments about the UVF.

The lawyer said there were mothers and children in the waiting room and police were called.

When officers arrived Coulter tried to walk past telling them he was a busy man who had business to take care of.

She said he continued to be abusive telling an to “go and f**k yourself”, before being restrained.

A defence barrister said he would not be seeking to defend Coulter’s behaviour, describing it “as very unpleasant.”

He pointed out that defendant had endeavoured in the past to work with probation authorities and suggested this as a means of disposal.

District Judge Alan White commented that he had jailed Coulter a few weeks ago for another matter.

Mr White said he had no time for anyone who abused health service staff who were just doing their job.

However he told Coulter that he would give him a chance to “sort yourself out.”