Belfast: Man charged with attacking paramedics and police

A 26-year-old man has been charged with assaulting and threatening to kill two paramedics in Belfast.

It follows an incident outside a nightclub at Dunbar Link close to the city centre on Friday.

James Mongan, from Beechmount Walk in west Belfast, appeared at the city's magistrates' court on Saturday.

He was also charged with assaulting police officers, damaging an ambulance and possessing a Class B drug.

A police officer told the court that the defendant spat blood at the ambulance workers who were trying to treat him for a head injury.

He also spat blood inside the ambulance, leading to it being "grounded for several hours", as well as at police officers when they arrived at the scene.

One paramedic suffered bruising and swelling of his arms as a result of the assault, said the police officer, who opposed the defendant's application for bail.

A defence solicitor said Mr Mongan was "absolutely disgusted at himself" and had no memory of what had happened.

The judge granted bail under several conditions including a curfew.

Explaining his reason for granting bail, the judge told the police officer: "You are preaching to the choir when you tell me about assaulting ambulance workers and police and spitting.

"But the background is that this man had a severe head injury when the police and ambulance were called to the scene."

The defendant is due to appear in court again next month.