Police entered the new mental health facility with public order shields after a patient barricaded himself in a lounge using tables and chairs.

The patient, whose identity the Examiner has chosen not to disclose, had to be restrained using Pava spray.

The 49-year-old was a voluntary resident at Manannan Court when the incident happened on March 12 at 12.20am after he was told he could not leave and panicked.

He appeared before magistrates last week and was convicted of provoking behaviour. Charges of property damage and resisting arrest were dismissed after he pleaded guilty to the provoking behaviour offence.

The man will be sentenced on January 2 after a probation report has been completed.

Prosecutor Rebecca Cubbon told the court that police received a 999 call from staff at Manannan Court on March 12. The patient was said to be aggressive, kicking doors and throwing chairs.

He threw Lucozade bottles at one member of staff.

Police entered with public order shields but the defendant had barricaded himself in a lounge using tables and chairs. Entry was forced and the man was restrained using Pava spray and put in handcuffs.

He continued to kick out until leg restraints were also used and he was arrested.

When interviewed later, the patient said he suffered from anxiety and his medication had been delayed. He said he was a voluntary resident and decided he wanted to go home but wasn’t allowed out so had panicked. He initially denied the offences and a trial was due to be held on November 15 but the day before that he indicated he would admit provoking behaviour.

Advocate David Clegg asked for a probation report to be prepared before sentencing, given mental health issues.

Bail was granted.