Fire extinguisher wassprayed at paramedics

Robert McMullan (29), whose address was given as the Curran Road hostel, appeared at Ballymena Magistrate’s Court last Thursday.

He admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour arising out of the incident on Saturday February 25 this year and was fined £200.

A prosecutor said police were tasked to the hostel in relation to an ongoing disturbance involving two residents which took place as Ireland played France at rugby.

An hour later, officers were called back after the two heavily-intoxicated men were involved in another altercation.

The prosecutor said McMullan took a fire extinguisher and “used it on paramedics” when he “sprayed their vehicle” on two occasions as they arrived at the hostel.

The prosecutor said that during a police interview, the defendant said he had been drinking all day and could not remember what happened, but was apologetic, particularly in regard to any incident which involved ambulance staff.

Defence solicitor Connel Trainor said his client made full and frank admissions and had been involved in a disagreement with a friend when Ireland were playing rugby.

He said the fire extinguisher had been taken from a house and and no injuries were caused to ambulance staff.