Chicken thief 'was in a movie'

A man who stole packets of chicken and then turned unruly in a hospital has been jailed for nine months. Michael Scott also smashed potted plants and shoved a garage manager who confronted him over the theft. As he left the dock at Belfast Magistrates' Court Scott shouted: "It's not my fault, I'm in a movie."

The 28-year-old was charged with common assault, criminal damage, assault on police, disorderly behaviour and the theft of 16 packs of chicken. After being challenged he threw plants at a car before banging his head against a stanchion.

He was taken to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, County Down, for treatment to his head injuries, only to become disorderly and abusive to staff. Damage was caused to a hospital floor and work benches. The court heard that Scott, of no fixed address, has amassed a criminal record with some 160 previous convictions.

Scott's lawyer said his client accepted full responsibility and was dealing with a number of personal problems. "He's his own worst enemy," the lawyer said. The judge imposed a five-month sentence for the chicken theft and lesser, concurrent terms for the assaults, criminal damage and disorderly behavior. However, she added a further four months by activating a previous suspended sentence.