‘Psychotic’ man tried to gouge out cop’s eyes

A MAN who tried to gouge a PSNI officer’s eyes out feared he was being abducted by paramilitaries, a court heard yesterday.

William Mccartan was having a psychotic episode when he attacked two cops, his barrister said.

Deferring sentence for the 44-year-old to obtain medical help, a judge warned any further offending will lead to immediate imprisonment.

Mccartan, of Annadale Flats in South Belfast, launched his attack after police were called to his estranged wife’s home in Whitehead, Co Antrim, on February 26.

The city’s Magistrates Court was told she wanted him out of the house as he was “going mad”.

A prosecution lawyer said Mccartan became aggressive when the officers located him in an upstairs bedroom.

She said: “He headbutted a constable... and he attempted to gouge the sergeant’s eyes out.”

Defence barrister Michael Boyd described it as a “dreadful incident” which has left his client ashamed.

He added: “Drink taken earlier that night triggered some psychotic incident.

“He believed they weren’t real police officers, that they were paramilitaries there to take him away. That’s what was in his mind.”

District Judge Fiona Bagnall put sentencing back for nine months to allow for professional help.