A Portadown man who defecated and smeared his faeces on the wall of a police cell has been handed a suspended sentence.
Court heard that the 34-year-old admitted the offence to police during interview and explained that he recently attended Bluestone.
Damien James McMahon, of Portmore Street, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
It was heard that on June 19, the defendant was being held in a police cell for a matter which was not before the court.
Officers observed as McMahon tried to tie his boxer shorts around his neck and had to intervene.
The defendant then defecated in the cell smearing his faeces on the wall.
Prosecution stated that during interview McMahon made full admission and that the cleaning fee for the cell was £12.38.
Defence barrister Aaron Thompson said: “This was a guilty plea at the first opportunity. He indicated his problems to police and did also say to them that he had recently been treated at Bluestone.
“This is a man with a number difficulties with regards to his mental health.. He realises the gravity of the offences and has brought compensation with him.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly asked: “Does his GP suggest that he takes copious amounts of alcohol and takes drugs daily?”
Mr Thompson said: “I am sure that he does not. He accepts that this was a repellent offence. I have seldom seen a record so long with so many custodial sentences one after another.”
District Judge Kelly stated: “This offence is so serious, taking into account your record for someone of your age, there is only one penalty I can impose.”
McMahon was sentenced to five months in prison suspended for three years.
In addition, he was ordered to pay compensation to the value of £12.38.
