Joey Coleman appeared at Lisburn Magistrates Court on Friday charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on female prison officers at Maghaberry Prison on June 27, 2023.

The 26-year-old, currently held at Maghaberry Prison, wore a grey prison tracksuit in the dock. His solicitor initially indicated a guilty plea, but Coleman shouted at District Judge Rosie Watters and his solicitor. The solicitor clarified that the judge should decide guilt based on case papers.

Judge Watters found Coleman guilty of two counts of common assault. Coleman shouted again and was removed from court by prison officers. Sentencing is set for Monday via videolink.

The court heard Coleman activated his cell alarm. Two female officers checked on him. He squirted liquid containing urine, semen, faeces and a chemical at them through his cell door.

Both officers suffered burns and needed hospital treatment. One officer sustained serious injuries requiring a hearing aid after liquid entered her ear and throat.

Coleman has prior convictions. In February he received four months in jail for punching a bank employee at Ulster Bank in Belfast city centre on August 27 and assaulting police.

Ten days after release, police arrested him in Belfast city centre on February 14 for possessing a hammer as an offensive weapon, disorderly behaviour and criminal damage. CCTV showed him fighting at Donegall Place and striking a vehicle. District Judge Steven Keown denied bail citing reoffending risk.

In February 2024 Coleman was jailed for 17 months for breaking into Lavery’s Bar in Belfast with a knife and stealing iPads, mobile phones and alcohol.