Belfast: Man jailed for exposing himself at Mater Hospital A&E

Based on his client’s previous clear record, a defence barrister described the incident as “bizarre”.

“It’s serious and deplorable behaviour,” he said.

“He says himself that it was absolutely terrible, he is disgusted, embarrassed, ashamed… and totally remorseful.”

The judge expressed doubts over the sincerity of regret.

As the incident was being recounted, she had asked Bateson if he found it funny and told him to remain quiet in the dock.

She told Bateson: “You came here to court today and laughed when it was read out by the prosecution that one of their watches was broken by you.”

Sentencing him to six months in custody, she added: “These are individuals who are trying to serve all of us in the community and you decided to go in there, assault them, spit in one of their faces and make those comments.”