Disabled man was abusive at hospital
A disabled man who was abusive to hospital staff has been fined £250.
John Stephen Stewart, of Celandine Court, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour in Altnagelvin Hospital on August 31.
Derry Magistrate’s Court heard the 40-year-old, who is in a wheelchair, attended the hospital in a drunken state.
He became verbally abusive to staff in the accident and emergency department after he was discharged. The court was told the incident occurred in front of young children and police were called.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said Stewart had gone to the hopital for a legitimate reason but an argument ensued with staff.
He said the 40-year-old had difficulties with alcohol over the years and “the ship has sailed in regards to dealing with them”.
Mr Quigley said that the fact the incident took place in the hospital was an “aggravating factor” but the disorderly behaviour was at the “bottom of the scale”.
Fining Stewart, Deputy District Judge Amanda Henderson said disorderly behaviour in the hospital is a “growing” trend”.
She told the 40-year-old the fine would “hit you in the pocket and I hope you learn a lesson from that”.
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Weather for Derry
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
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