Woman shouted '˜up ISIS' at police

A woman who was disorderly in Altnagelvin Hospital shouted '˜up ISIS' at police, a court has heard.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Mar 2016, 14:42 BST
Updated 8th Mar 2016, 15:46 BST
The courthouse at Bishop Street, Derry.The courthouse at Bishop Street, Derry.
The courthouse at Bishop Street, Derry.

Terri Harkin, of Lislane Drive, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour and resisting police on December 28, last year.

Derry Magistrates Court heard police were approached by a paramedic in Altnagelvin Hospital to request assistance with the 45-year-old.

She was unable to stand on her own and was very abusive.

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The court was told Harkin began shouting and swearing, despite several attempts to calm her down.

She began to shout ‘up the UDA, up ISIS’ at police and nursing staff inside the hospital.

Harkin tried to spit at the police officers and was kicking out at nurses who were trying to treat her.

When asked to calm down, she responded by shouting louder and using more abusive language.

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Defence counsel Eoghan Devlin said his client believed her drink was spiked on this night and that caused her ‘bizarre’ behaviour. He said Harkin is a ‘productive member of the community’ and has no previous criminal record.

Imposing 120 hours community service, District Judge Alan White said ‘I would like to think the court won’t see you again’.

The judge added: ‘I have had the misfortune myself to sit in casualty and observe nursing staff dealing with drunk people and the distress that has caused to people who are ill. The upset and inconvenience to nursing staff is appalling and happens all too often’.