Prison sentence for man who lunged at pregnant nurse

Stephen McMullan, no fixed abode, appeared in court by way of videolink from Maghaberry prison.

The court heard that on December 31 last year police were tasked to the Bluestone unit where they spoke to a member of staff, who was visibly shaken. The nurse, who was 29 weeks pregnant at the time, said the defendant was hostile and aggressive and continued to act aggressively before lunging towards her.

Gabriel Ingram, representing the defendant, said it was a serious matter but there was no physical assault. He said his client would apologise for his behaviour.

District Judge, Mrs Bernie Kelly certified it as so serious that there was only one penalty she could impose.