A ferry bound for Liverpool was forced to return to Belfast Port because a thieving passenger became “unruly”, the High Court has heard.
Prosecutors said the crossing had to be aborted after Robert Smyth stole a bottle of whiskey from the onboard shop and then threatened staff.
The 49-year-old, of Pottingers Quay in Belfast, is charged with theft and disorderly behaviour over the incident earlier this month.
He also faces two counts of assault on PSNI officers and common assault on a nurse by spitting on her face in custody.
Smyth was granted bail under orders to fully engage with an alcohol and drug rehabilitation project.
Police went to the docks following a report from Stena Line on January 15.
Crown counsel Charlene Dempsey told the court: “They had to return the Liverpool-bound ship due to an unruly passenger.”
Members of the crew claimed Smyth had stolen a £30 bottle of Titanic Whiskey from the ferry’s shop and then became aggressive and threatening towards staff and other passengers.
“The captain deemed it unsafe to continue the journey and made the decision to turn the ship around and come back to Belfast,” Ms Dempsey said.
Smyth was escorted off the boat in handcuffs but allegedly swung his hands towards the head of a PSNI constable.
He then spat in the direction of another office while in the back of their car, it was claimed.
The court heard he was taken into custody at a city centre police station, where a female health care assistant spoke to him through the cell hatch due to his level of aggression.
“He spat at her, the spit landing on her face and into her left eye,” the prosecutor added.
During interviews Smyth admitted stealing the whisky but said he had little memory of events on the ferry due to his intoxication.
He apologised for the alleged assault on the custody nurse.
Opposing bail, Ms Dempsey said Smyth is on a priority list with a unit set up in Belfast to reduce offending.
Michael Ward, defending, told the court it was appropriate to class his client as a “nuisance”.
“His behaviour on this occasion would seem to fit that description,” the barrister submitted.
Mr Justice Simpson, replied: “Spitting at a nurse isn’t exactly being a nuisance.”
It was contended, however, that Smyth should be given an opportunity to beat his alcohol addiction and turn his life around.
Granting bail, the judge acknowledged he was taking a chance despite the defendant’s “despicable behaviour”.
He also imposed a curfew and alcohol ban as part of the strict terms of Smyth’s release.