Farmer fails to provide specimen

A Portadown man, who refused to provide a specimen and used disorderly behaviour in a hospital, has been warned he could go to prison for similar offences.

The case of Geddis James Conn, (54), of Coharra Road, was heard at Craigavon Courthouse sitting on Friday, December 16.

The court heard that on June 15, 2018, police were tasked to a road traffic collision on Lurgan Road, Craigavon.

When police arrived, they noticed the defendant in the driver’s seat and the vehicle was situated in the middle of the road and appeared to have collided with signage in the middle of the roundabout.

Police carried out a preliminary breath test which resulted in a fail and the defendant was arrested.

Conn became verbally abusive to police and he was conveyed to Craigavon Area Hospital for treatment, where he continued to shout in front of staff and patients.

The on-duty doctor stated that Conn was deemed medically fit to provide a specimen of blood for an evidential test, however, he refused to participate.

Police tried to contact him several times to inform him that he will be reported to the PPS but never got a response.

In his defence, the court was told that Conn has further cases against him in the future and that the defendant can have no credit for how he approached these matters.

Furthermore, it was added that his disorderly behaviour in Craigavon Area Hospital was due to his severe pain with three cracked ribs but he accepts what he did was wrong.

On a personal note, it was revealed that Conn works as a farmer and his wife is employed by the NHS, therefore, he knows that disorderly behaviour in a hospital isn’t tolerated.

District Judge Amanda Brady imposed a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for a period of 18 months for disorderly behaviour, a two-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months and a 15 month disqualification for failing to provide a specimen, as well as a six-month disqualification and a £200 fine for driving without due care and attention.

All periods of custody and disqualifications are to run concurrently with each other.