A TEENAGER who “gets violent when he drinks” has been given six months to seek help for his alcohol problem and stay out of trouble.

Brandon Gillen (18), of Willowvale, Enniskillen, pleaded guilty to using disorderly behaviour on Forthill Street, Enniskillen, two counts of assaulting a police officer and damaging a police cell van belonging to the PSNI on December 23, 2017.

Gillen also pleaded guilty to further charges of using disorderly behaviour at South West Acute Hospital, three counts of assaulting a police officer and possessing a Class B controlled drug, namely cannabis, on December 31, 2017.

Fermanagh Magistrates Court heard that, at 9.25pm on December 23, police received a report of a drunk male with blood on his clothes.

Upon arrival at the scene, they observed the defendant in a “highly intoxicated” state and staggering.

When he was approached, Gillen became aggressive and shouted “black b*****ds” before spitting at the officers.

He was conveyed to South West Acute Hospital for treatment, but on the way there began banging on the side of the cell van.

It was decided to restrain the defendant using handcuffs and, during the ensuing struggle, he spat at and headbutted the officers.

Staff at the hospital refused to treat him, the court heard.
Then, at 7.20pm on December 31, the defendant was arrested for breach of bail at South West Acute Hospital.

As police were arresting the teenager, he attempted to headbutt one of the officers and used abusive language.

He was escorted to the police vehicle and continued to struggle, spitting while doing so.

Upon arrival at Enniskillen custody suite, the defendant was aggressive and had to be carried to his cell.

During a search, police uncovered a quantity of cannabis on his person.

When he was subsequently interviewed, Gillen told officers he could not remember the incident due to his intoxication.

After listening to the outline of the facts, deputy district judge Paul Conway observed: “He gets violent when he drinks.”

Defending counsel, Stephen Fitzpatrick, told the court that his client appreciated now that this type of behaviour as an adult resulted in “serious penalties”.

The barrister said that Gillen had the support of his mother, who was in court with him, and was currently subject to a Youth Justice Agency Order that was due to finish in eight months.

Having only turned 18 in December, Mr. Conway told the court that he was going to give the defendant an opportunity and deferred the matter for six months to allow him to engage with the Youth Justice Agency.

The judge said that the teenager had been treated with kid gloves in the Youth Court, before adding: “Up here, you’re now playing with the big boys.”

Warning him to stay out of trouble over the next six months and sort out his problem with alcohol, the judge adjourned the case until August 15.