Christopher McLaughlin, 41, of Dublin Street in Newtownstewart, Tyrone, was sentenced to 12 months probation at Enniskillen Magistrates Court for possessing Class A drugs.

The incident occurred in July 2025 at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, Fermanagh, where McLaughlin dropped three bags of a substance later confirmed to be a Class A drug.

McLaughlin accepted the charge and completed a drug awareness course.

His defence counsel told the court that McLaughlin faces daily struggles, including mental health challenges, and receives support from the Aisling Centre.

District Judge Alana McSorley noted a positive pre-sentence report and that McLaughlin had taken steps to address his issues.

The sentence was 12 months probation.