An Angus teenager who hospitalised three children by giving them his prescription medication has been told his ”liberty is on the line”.
Jordan Henderson (18), of Bell Place, Forfar, previously admitted dishing out anti-hyperactivity pills at the age of 17, leaving children as young as 13 paranoid, with slurred speech and increased heart rates.
Henderson, who had been prescribed Methylphenidate for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) had earlier admitted culpably or recklessly giving the substance to adults and children in September, after taking 60 tablets himself 30 times his daily dose.
Defence agent Nick Markowski told Forfar Sheriff Court: ”Psychiatric reports said clearly he is a young with man with psychiatric problems, and has had three separate illnesses, but Mr Henderson seems to have made good progress and it is continuing.”
Sheriff Kevin Veal said: ”The real test will come with a reduced level of supervision.”
He added: “One is not impressed by his behaviour in the dock, as he seems more interested in the door than what is occurring in front of him.”
Mr Markowksi said: ”These are symptoms of his illness, as attention deficit disorder manifests itself in a lack of attentiveness and fidgeting.”
Henderson also previously admitted assaulting a male with a piece of wood in Taranty Road, Forfar, last year.
He also pleaded guilty to a charge of breaching the peace in North Street, Forfar, on June 15 by lying down on the road, shouting and swearing, acting aggressively to a bus driver, attempting to enter a bus and walking towards another aggressively, before struggling with police.
With regards to these charges, Sheriff Veal gave Henderson a two-year community payback order including 90 hours’ unpaid work.
Of supplying the medication, Sheriff Veal said: ”That case is still extremely serious and attention will be paid to how Mr Henderson behaves. His liberty is on the line if this all goes pear-shaped.”
August 30 will see a review of Henderson’s CPO, with a supplementary social work report, and the disposal for the medication offence will hinge on these.
Sheriff Veal added: ”Seeing young people hospitalised is not something that is in the court’s interest.”