A Newry man who assaulted a member of staff at a mental health unit and set a bed alight will be sentenced next month.
Court heard the offence was committed whilst the 64-year-old was an in-patient at the unit in 2017.
Michael Paul Boyce, of Arthur Street, pleaded guilty to arson, criminal damage and common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
It was heard that the offences dated back to October 23, of 2017, with a bed being set alight and damage being done to an internal door at the Bluestone Unit in Craigavon Area Hospital.
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “He committed these offences in a hospital. I am going to need a pre-sentence report.”
Defence barrister Ciara Ennis said: “This was whilst Mr Boyce was an inpatient at the Bluestone Unit.”
District Judge Kelly commented: “He damaged a bed, he damaged an internal wall and he assaulted a woman who was there to help the vulnerable.”
Ms Ennis stated: “This was nearly two years ago, there has been nothing since. Mr Boyce remained as a in-patient foo several months after this incident and had been readmitted.
“He had cognitive impairment and is diagnosed as bipolar.”
The defendant was released on his own bail to appear on September 6 for sentencing.
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