James Russell, 41, from Ballygowan Park in Banbridge, received a three-month jail sentence after pleading guilty to common assault and disorderly behaviour at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

He appeared via video link from Maghaberry Prison, where he is serving a prior sentence from a Banbridge court.

On May 20, 2023, at around 5.30pm, police responded to Craigavon Area Hospital following reports of threats and disorderly behaviour.

Russell arrived for treatment, became abusive, removed his cannula, and threatened security staff by shouting he would kill them and claiming to have a knife, though no knife was found.

Police arrested him and took him to Banbridge Custody Suite, where his behaviour worsened and became erratic.

A mental health team assessed him and returned him to hospital for admission.

His barrister, Damien Halleron, stated Russell has dealt with mental illness since his early teens, was under the influence, and is apologetic with no physical injuries caused.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan noted Russell's significant record and the aggravating nature of the behaviour in a hospital, ordering the sentence concurrent with his current term plus a £25 offender levy.