An Enniskillen man has been remanded in custody after a drug-fuelled episode in which he threatened police and caused disruption in a hospital waiting area while waiting to be assessed.

The man is charged with assaulting two police officers, using disorderly behaviour and possessing the prescription-only drug Tramadol.

A police officer told a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court the charges could be connected to Christopher Boyle (24) of Willoughby Place, while pointing out the offences breached bail for separate matters.

She explained Boyle is managed by a specialist police team due his recidivist offending and shortly after 11pm on January 27 an emergency call was received from his sister with whom he had been residing while on bail.

On arrival police were given a bag of approximately 50 tablets by Boyle's sister. He had handed them to her, when he realised police were present.

The sister stressed she didn’t want drugs in her home and was withdrawing her address for bail.

Officers noted: “Boyle’s pupils were dilated, he was twitchy and slurring his words. He claimed to have smoked a joint.”

Following arrest, he said he had consumed 10 yellow tablets, so was taken to South West Acute Hospital. During the journey, his behaviour changed

 “He became significantly more aggressive and volatile. A white film had formed over his lips and he appeared confused,” said the officer.

This escalated in the hospital waiting area where Boyle screamed and shouted obscenities including threatening to: “Put his shoe through a police officer’s head and put a bomb through windows.”

He swung at an officer’s head but connected with his shoulder.

Due to the disruption, he was moved from the hospital back to the police cell van.

Still shouting, Boyle placed an officer in a headlock, refusing to let go, then pulled down his trousers and underwear and repeatedly kicked the cell van door.

Limb restraints had to be applied and it was the next day before he was fit for interview.

Opposing release the officer said Boyle is currently on bail for similar offences from 13 November involving an alleged assault on his girlfriend, and was only released by the High Court a few weeks ago, which the granting judge warned would be kept under review.

He is also on bail for alleged burglary which is going to crown court.

“There is a likelihood of reoffending  and we believe he is unlikely to adhere to any conditions,” the officer stated.

“We are concerned by his unpredictable behaviour and the level of violence used. He has addiction issues which clearly detrimentally impact on his mental state, which then leads on to offending.”

While acknowledging difficulties getting mental health service appointments the officer added: “He continues offending and doesn’t seem to be in a position or willing to help himself. He has to take some personal responsibility for his behaviour. It can’t all be blamed on lack of services.”

A defence solicitor accepted Boyle’s sister was not prepared to have him back, and offered an alternative address, but police remained opposed.

The defence urged bail to be granted noting Boyle had contacted his GP over the addiction issues and: “If remanded in custody those would go unresolved for longer.”

Describing the police evidence as strong, District Judge Michael Ranaghan remarked: “The objections are well founded. He has failed to comply or learn his lesson. I’m not satisfied he is a suitable candidate for bail.”

Boyle will appear again by video-link at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on 7 February.