A man who punched a police officer at Craigavon Area Hospital has been sentenced to three months in prison.
The 38-year-old’s barrister told court: “He was intoxicated through alcohol and the anti-depressants which were found on his person. One can only hope that in time he will change his lifestyle.”
Mario Felloni, of Pinkerton Walk in Belfast, pleaded guilty to assault on police and possession of a Class C drug at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, via videolink from Maghaberry.
Prosecution outlined that on April 18, police were tasked to Craigavon Area Hospital in relation to another incident.
Whilst there their attention was drawn to a male, identified as the defendant, who was acting disorderly.
During a search of Felloni officers located seven blue tablets in his left trouser pocket.
The defendant then proceeded to punch a constable in the face and was subsequently arrested for the offences before the court.
Upon forensic analysis, the tablets were found to be Alpralozam, which is a Class C substance.
Defence barrister Conor Lunny stated: “I ask that he is given maximum credit for the way in which he has met the matter…. this is a man who has had alcohol difficulties most of his adult life.
“He is normally based in Belfast, between various homeless shelters and friends’ homes. He simply does not know how he found himself in this part of the world.”
He added: “He was intoxicated through alcohol and the anti-depressants which were found on his person. One can only hope that in time he will change his lifestyle.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly sentenced Felloni to a total of three months in prison for the offences before the court.
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