A 19 year-old man who was found lying unconscious on a Magherafelt pavement lashed out at police officers and shouted abuse at paramedics when they tried to help him, a court has heard.
Charles McAleese of Claragh Hill Court, Kilrea was convicted of disorderly behaviour, three counts of assault on police and two counts of resisting police when he appeared before Magherafelt Magistrates Court this morning.
District Judge Alan White had deferred sentencing on the defendant back in April.
The court heard that at 2.30am on August 9, 2013, police on mobile patrol of Church Street, Magherafelt found the defendant lying on the pavement unconscious.
Officers were concerned for his health and called an ambulance.
However the defendant woke up before the ambulance arrived and became aggressive to police.
He was shouted verbal abuse at ambulance staff before running off with his friends towards a parked bus.
A short time later, a male came running from the bus shouting for medical help.
Police spoke to the bus driver who said that the defendant had taken a seizure.
The driver stated that he wanted the defendant removed from the bus as he was worried about his safety and the safety of the other passengers.
When officers tried to escort him off, McAleese refused to get off the bus, the court heard.
Officers then tried to physically escort him from the bus but he lashed out, throwing punches at officers. He struck one officer on the face and forehead while shoving another on the arm and chest, the court heard.
Police were then forced to arrest him before they removed him from the vehicle, the court heard.
Defence solicitor, Liam McStay said when McAleese was coming around from the seizure, he reacted in this way.
“He is someone that hasn’t been troublesome. He had been studying at the local technical college and entered into a very good job after completion of his course.
“There have been no further incidents during the deferral period and there is nothing pending.
“He hopes he can put this behind him,” added Mr McStay.
Addressing the defendant, District Judge Alan White said: You are entitled to credit for pleading guilty,” before giving him a conditional discharge for 12 months and fining him £165.
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