Northern Ireland

Man smashed health centre window after being refused drugs, court hears

Belfast Magistrates Court heard that a man smashed a health centre reception window after being refused prescription drugs
Belfast Magistrates Court heard that a man smashed a health centre reception window after being refused prescription drugs Belfast Magistrates Court heard that a man smashed a health centre reception window after being refused prescription drugs

A man smashed a health centre reception window after being refused prescription drugs, a court has heard.

Ciaran McAreavey also assaulted two police officers following the bout of disorderly behaviour in west Belfast on Friday, a judge was told.

The 34-year-old, currently of no fixed address, was said to have made full admissions to the offences.

He appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday to face six charges, including a further count of criminal damage to a police vehicle.

Objecting to bail, a PSNI officer claimed there was a risk of further offences.

She said: "The window was smashed at Whiterock Health Centre when he was refused drugs."

Defence counsel Michael Boyd confirmed McAreavey has admitted the allegations and was apologetic.

He told the court his client had just returned from London and is suffering from a serious sciatica problem.

McAreavey was said to have damaged the window after arguing with his mother because his prescription had not been processed.

"It was a ridiculous way to behave," Mr Boyd said.

"There was this altercation in the back of a car where police were heavy-handed with him, he responded and accepted all of that."

Granting bail to a proposed address, District Judge Fiona Bangall reinforced a ban on McAreavey entering part of west Belfast.

He is due back in court in two weeks' time.