Woman damaged defibrillator in hospital

A judge has said the behaviour of a woman who smashed a defibrillator in the hospital '˜can't properly be described as criminal' because she suffers from '˜significant' mental health difficulties.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jan 2016, 09:50 BST
Updated 26th Jan 2016, 10:54 BST

Caoimhe Michelle Lynch, of Hillview Park, Castlederg, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour in Altnagelvin Hospital on April 25th, last year.

The 23-year-old also admitted causing over £2,200 worth of damage to a defibrillator.

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The court heard that hospital staff requested police assistance with Lynch.

She was in the waiting area shouting ‘I am Jesus, I am God. I will do whatever I want’.

The 23-year-old removed a handwash bottle from the wall and threw it on the ground.

Police attempted to restrain her, however, the court heard she picked up a defibrillator machine and threw it at her feet.

Lynch was arrested and she struggled with the officers.

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Defence Counsel, Stephen Mooney, said his client has had significant mental health problems over the last two years and was ‘suffering from delusions’ at the time of the offence.

He added if the 23-year-old continues to take her medication she is ‘unlikely’ to commit any further offences in the future.

Passing sentence, Judge Dunlop said ‘I do not think it is appropriate to visit her with the normal punishments or disposals that would be appropriate in ordinary cases of disorderly behaviour in the hospital.’

He imposed a Conditional Discharge and ordered Lynch to pay £200 compensation.