South West Acute Hospital RMGFH
A man who bit and kicked two police officers, shouting that he hoped they were “blown up like Ronan Kerr”, at the South West Hospital has been sentenced to four months in jail.
Gavin Armstrong of Kirk Road, Beragh appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour, resisting police, and four counts of assault on police.
The charges arose out of an incident on Sunday, May 17 this year when police were called to Armstrong’s home following reports of a disturbance. They located the defendant, who was on bail on the condition he did not drink, in his bedroom.
When the officers attempted to arrest and caution Armstrong he jumped out of bed shouting “f**k this, I’m going to fight”, smashing the light on the bedroom roof in the process. Police had to restrain Armstrong using batons, handcuffs and CS spray. When he was taken into custody he head-butted a computer monitor, knocking it over, and began head-butting the wall of the station.
Armstrong complained of an injured elbow, so police took him to the South West Acute Hospital, where he once again became aggressive, calling the police “c**ts” and shouting sectarian insults.
The court heard members of the public, including elderly patients, were present in the waiting room while this was taking place.
Once again, police needed to restrain Armstrong, who thrashing around and shouting “I hope your all blown up like Ronan Kerr” and the IRA. Armstrong kicked two of the officers, bit one, and attempted to bite another.
Armstrong was arrested for a second time at 2am, this time for assault. When arrested he replied “you’ll f***ing regret this when I get Begley to you.”
His defence solicitor Sean Pol Begley said there was “no getting away from the fact it was a very unpleasant incident” and said although it was “no excuse” Armstrong had consumed a large amount of alcohol on the night. Mr Begley said Armstrong was remorseful and completely regretted his actions.
Mr Begley added his client, who he said was afraid of imprisonment, was currently employed at a bakery and worked from 5am to 3pm each day.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said Armstrong had been out of control on the night in question, and he felt the language used and the assault on the police officers was serious enough to justify a custodial sentence.
He sentenced Armstrong to serve four months in jail for assault and to pay the police officer he had bitten £250. Judge Broderick also fined him £25 for resisting police. Armstrong was released on his own bail of £500 pending appeal.
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