A 25-year-old man has been ordered to complete community service after behaving disorderly at Antrim Area Hospital.

Darryl Orr, of Crossglebe, Sandholes, near Cookstown, admitted the offence which occurred on 18 March.

Police were called to the hospital around 10am following an incident during his transport by ambulance. Paramedics were speaking with officers when Orr exited the rear of the ambulance and ran off. He was caught and placed in a police vehicle.

Once inside the hospital, medical staff attempted to offer assistance but Orr responded by shouting and swearing.

His solicitor told Antrim Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Ballymena, that Orr had been drinking at a friend’s house in the Antrim area and had no memory of events. He was found lying on a road by an ambulance crew. Orr believed he may have been assaulted or robbed and was wearing only shorts and one sock.

District Judge Nigel Broderick said hospital offences normally attract immediate custodial sentences but imposed 200 hours of community service as a direct alternative. He told Orr: “Consider yourself lucky.”