Man used walking stick as weapon in courthouse incident

Jonathan Gregory Wilkinson (49), of Glenwood, Ahoghill, committed offences at Ballymena Courthouse in early January.

At the same courthouse on February 23, he appeared via video link from prison where he had previously been remanded on the charges, and he pleaded guilty.

He admitted assaulting a male occasioning him actual bodily harm; assaulting and resisting a police officer; disorderly behaviour; possession of an offensive weapon; assaulting another male and damaging a police radio.

Previously, District Judge Peter King said there were aggravating features in the case including that “outrageously the offence took place in the confines of a courthouse” before he added: “That can never be acceptable.”

He said the incidents happened while Wilkinson was on bail for previous alleged offences and he was “deeply concerned” that the issues spilt over and involved family members, police and court staff.

Wilkinson has also admitted other charges including making threats to kill and a making a threat to damage property in December last year.

He has also pleaded guilty to interfering with a motor vehicle causing danger.

At the February 23 court, defence barrister Stephen Law said the defendant was pleading guilty.

The case was adjourned until March 9 to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.