Man who bit police officers and was disorderly at hospital jailed for a year

Richard Drennan (32), of the Simon Community in Coleraine’s Lodge Road, also bit officers during two incidents which included being disorderly at the Causeway Hospital in the town on June 29.

Coleraine Court was told Drennan was being disruptive at the Emergency Department and after refusing to calm down he kicked a police officer three times on the back and also bit and headbutted another officer.

He tried to assault another officer and tried to bite through leg restraints.

On July 30 this year police were called to the Simon Community where a drunk Drennan was told he was no longer welcome. He refused to leave and ran into a bedroom and swore at officers. When handcuffed he headbutted a police officer and tried to headbutt another and when placed in a cell van he headbutted another officer and bit his left hand.

Defence barrister Chris Sherrard said the defendant fell out with his parents and had been living a transient lifestyle in hostels while having alcohol difficulties.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay told Drennan his behaviour at the hospital was “disgraceful” and added: “That place is there not just for your own care and attention but for everybody else.”

And the judge also slammed the Lodge Road flare-up and said the Simon Community exists to provide “great care” for people who have difficulties in securing other places to live.