A Judge told a homeless man jailed for disorderly behaviour in the hospital and biting and spitting at police officers that he should begin applying for housing in jail.
Sean Connell, 20, of no fixed abode appeared before Derry Magistrates Court charged with being disorderly in Altnagelvin Hospital, four charges of assaulting police officers and damaging a police vehicle. The offences took place on March 26, 2018.
The court was told that police received a call about a man climbing the railings into the Foyle River at Queen’s Quay.
When police arrived, Connell was in the water up to his waist being held onto by a member of the public.
When police helped him out he became aggressive and began head-butting the ground. He then had to be placed in limb restraints as he was lashing out with his arms and legs and shouting abuse.
When in hospital, the disorderly behaviour continued and as he tried to leave the hospital bed he kicked a police officer in the chest, calling police officers names.
He was warned to calm down as he was in a busy A&E Department; however, he persisted with his behaviour and had to be transferred to Coleraine Custody Suite.
On the way there, he tried to bite a police officer on the arm then spat in an officer’s face. He then bit a police officer’s arm and spat in the police car.
The police vehicle was put out of action for a deep clean that cost £62.80. The police officer who was bitten suffered a puncture mark to his arm.
Paddy MacDermott, defence solicitor, said that Connell had been at a ‘very low ebb’ after the recent death of his mother and having been made homeless three weeks previously.
Mr MacDermott said: “He is a regular sight in the city carrying all his belongings on his back. He was feeling overwhelmed and went into the Foyle but he is grateful to the police for saving his life.
“He is determined this is the last incident and things will get better.”
District Judge Barney McElholm said that Connell should not wait to apply for housing but should contact welfare statutory authorities from within the prison and start applying for housing now.
Connell was jailed for three months.
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