A BALLINMALLARD man has been sentenced to six months imprisonment after he went on the rampage at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) punching a television and damaging water supplies among other offences.
Darren McGill, 22, of Main Street in the town, was arraigned on a litany of offences including three counts of criminal damage and one count of harassment.
The accused admitted to all of the offences which were said to have happened in January and May of this year.
The court heard that McGill, who appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court via video link, had been admitted into SWAH after he had taken an overdose on January 29.
At approximately 9pm, the defendant started to become agitated and was told to calm down by staff but following these requests he then punched a television and damaged panelling in a room.
The cost of the damage is said to have cost in excess of £300.
When McGill was questioned the next day by police officers claimed he broke the TV in anger because he was worried about his health.
The court was told that in a separate incident between January and May he was charged with harassment after he appeared at his victim’s home but was repeatedly told to leave.
He told her that he had nowhere else to go but after being told to leave he returned a short time later.
Then on May 27, police were called to a scene where a post office had been targeted by McGill.
He was accused of damaging a panel in the window and the glass panel of a phone box.
The court heard that it was the defendant himself who contacted police to report the incident and while he was questioned over the damage he told officers he did it because he was “pissed off” and made a full admission of the offence at a police station.
The estimated cost of damage to the Post Office and the phone box was £600.
McGill’s defence solicitor pointed out his client’s clear record and said that he had suffered problems with drugs.
He said: “It is something unusual that comes before the court today because of his age and that he has no previous offences.
“It was the defendant who phoned the police to say it was him that caused the damage. Although the report does not give a positive reading he did state to the probation officer there was a problem with cannabis if he couldn’t get his hands on the drug.
“He apologised to the court and the time spent in custody has given him time to reflect on his behaviour. He has experienced some difficulties in his past,” he added.
Deputy District Judge Nigel Broderick said: “These are serious matter aggravated by the number of features. I will give you credit for your clear record but the custody threshold has been crossed.”
Judge Broderick then handed down a six-month sentence as well as fines totalling £425 including compensation to his victims.
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