Head-butted a hospital porter

Joseph Patrick O’Driscol, Molesworth Street, Cookstown, appeared by videolink from Maghaberry prison.

He admitted unlawful assault on a male on July 3.

The court heard police received a report that a porter at Craigavon Area Hospital had been assaulted. When they arrived they saw the defendant on the ground being restrained by six members of staff.

Police spoke to the injured party who said O’Driscol had head-butted him on the side of the face.

During interview the defendant made no comment to any questions put to him. A solicitor representing O’Driscol said that on July 3 he had been staying in a hostel in Cookstown and had been assaulted by a person using a pick axe handle.

He was taken to Craigavon Hospital and was on the floor in a toilet cubicle when a member of staff pushed the door to get it.

This aggravated O’Driscol and he reacted as he did. He apologised for his behaviour.

The solicitor added his client knew he has a drink problem.

He accepted he needed to change and get counselling.

O’Driscol was also fined £75 for indecent behaviour on May 18, 2013.

He was seen sitting on top of a car in William Street, Lurgan.

On CCTV he was seen urinating near a church. He was highly intoxicated.