Aaron Trotman-Kingston, 29, from Imperial Drive in Belfast, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court. He pleaded guilty to charges of possessing a bladed weapon in public, criminal damage, disorderly behaviour, and assaulting a prison officer.

Police received a report of an assault at Craigavon Area Hospital on July 25, 2022. The incident involved a prison officer and a detained prisoner from Maghaberry Prison who had been taken there for a mental health assessment.

The prisoner received metal cutlery from a nurse and threatened the prison officer with a knife, spoon, and fork. Prison staff tried to take the items away. The prisoner pulled them to his chest and kicked the officer in the chest from the hospital bed.

Staff restrained the prisoner. The officer's t-shirt ripped in half during the incident. Later, the prisoner went to the Shannon Clinic in Belfast for treatment.

In a police interview, Trotman-Kingston denied the assault. He claimed the officer struck him first. CCTV footage did not support that account.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan noted the cutlery was not pointed at the officer but confirmed the kick to the chest. The judge stated no one in a hospital should face such behaviour.

Trotman-Kingston's barrister, Conor Lunny, described him as vulnerable and dealing with mental health issues at the time. Lunny highlighted progress shown in a pre-sentence report and stability from supported living.

The court imposed 12 months probation and 70 hours community service on Trotman-Kingston.