A judge has branded a 18-year-old a “menace to society” after he was found guilty of a litany of charges at Fermanagh Magistrates Court.

Brandon Gillen of Willowvale, Enniskillen appeared by video link on Monday October 1, on charges of disorderly behaviour, assaulting police and possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

The court heard on December 23, 2017 police received a report of a drunk male on Forthill Street, Enniskillen with blood on his clothes. When police arrived, they detected the defendant with blood on his clothes and hands.

Gillen became aggressive towards police calling them “black bastards” and spitting at them. He was arrested and was escorted to the South West Acute Hospital for treatment where he continued to abuse police and be aggressive.

Police restrained Gillen who spat at them and headbutted one of the constables. He was also aggressive towards hospital staff using foul language before he was escorted off the premises. He was arrested and charged with assault and criminal damage.

In another incident on December 31, 2017 police were called to assist Ambulance staff who were dealing with the defendant. He was then arrested for breach of bail. While being arrested he headbutted one of the constables and told them to “f**k off”. He was escorted to the vehicle where he spat at another officer.

Gillen had to be forcibly restrained and had to be carried to a cell. A black tub containing cannabis was found. Gillen admitted owning the cannabis but said he could not remember the incident he was involved in as he was intoxicated.

Then on July 29, 2018 police were responding to a report of assault at an address on Main Street, Ballinamallard. The defendant was in the house at the time and was found to have a number of pink tablets on him. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply. He told officers he was only holding them for somebody who had thrown them to him at the party and was intending to give them back. He confirmed they were ecstasy tablets.

Defence for Gillen said the offences were “very, very unsavoury” and that his client was well aware of them and was taking them very seriously.

He pointed out in the pre-sentencing report Gillen had been engaging with the Youth Justice Agency and although he had clear problems with drink and drugs his client was taking some steps to fix this.

He added Gillen was embarrassed by his actions and offered an apology to all those who encountered his behaviour. He said his client was a young man with difficulties.

In sentencing, Judge Renahan said he was worried about Gillen’s attitude to police and the litany of offending. He acknowledged that the defendant had issues in life, but the custody threshold was breached.

Judge Renahan sentenced Gillen to two years probation on each charge to run concurrently along with 100-hours community service saying: “Be sure any breach will see you go to prison.”

Speaking to Gillen’s mother who was in court, Judge Renahan said: “Good luck trying to control this one.”