A DOUBLE amputee who attacked three nurses at the South West Acute Hospital has been handed a suspended jailed sentence.
52-year-old Hugh McKillion, who suffers from alcohol problems, pleaded guilty to three counts of common assault when he appeared before Enniskillen Magistrates Court.
McKillion, of Creggan Park, Omagh, was handed a four month prison sentence, suspended for two and a half years and a compensation order was also made for £250 to two of the injured nurses.
A prosecutor told the court that on March 19, last year, at around 9.45am, police were called to the South West Acute Hospital following reports that a patient was being aggressive.
Police officers spoke with seven members of nursing staff who described how the defendant left his room and went over to a fire extinguisher and tried to take it.
As a nurse tried to stop him, McKillion thumped her twice in the abdomen with his fist and attempted to kick another nurse.
McKillion then pulled the hair of a third nurse for thirty seconds until other nurses could remove his grip.
The defendant continued to act in an aggressive manner until police arrived. The court was told that he was in hospital in relation to a alcohol detox programme and had been left confused by his actions. He told police that he would not do such actions.
Defence solicitor Michael Fahy explained that his client suffers from a chronic illness and is trying to deal with his alcohol issues.
“He does not like the way this impacts on his life,” he added.
“He behaved very poorly on his attendance (at hospital). He last offence before this was in 2007.
“He does suffer from relapses from time to time but he is now co-operating with all the individuals who are offering him assistance.
“He is a double amputee and that’s where the under-lying issues comes from. There appears to be a degree of hesitancy and doubt in his social integration.”
District Judge Nigel Broderick explained to McKillion that his normal practice would be an immediate custodial sentence with these offences.
Judge Broderick highlighted how the defendant has not committed any offences following his deferred sentencing six months ago.
He added: “Your general practitioner has given a helpful report and it gives much more detail in relation to what has happen you.
“You made extra progress during the first few months of the deferred sentence, however, there has been some deterioration in the last few months.
“You are an individual who struggles with mental and physical problems but that’s no excuse for the way you acted.”
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