Successful prosecutions after assaults on staff

EEAST RRVs and amb on scene

A man who threatened and hit a member of staff with a walking stick has been fined and ordered to pay compensation.

Christopher Watkins, 57, was convicted of a charge of assault by beating following an incident at Peterborough City Hospital in December.

Emergency care assistant Andy Thompson was waiting to hand over a patient at A&E when Watkins, who was intoxicated and also awaiting hospital admission, became aggressive.

Andy said: “I did not make any conversation with him, but he looked at me and threatened to kill me. I laughed and tried to diffuse the situation. However, he stood up and he swung his metal walking stick at me.”

The blow struck Andy’s arm, causing bruising. When he got back to Peterborough station, he called police to report the assault.

Watkins was convicted on 17th February and was ordered to pay £245 in court costs and fines and £100 compensation to his victim.

Andy, who has twice been assaulted by patients in the three years he has worked for the Trust, added: “I think everyone should report these and press charges. You do not expect to be abused and attacked doing your job.

“There were lots of people in A&E when this happened and quite a few people were horrified and disturbed by what he did.”

And in west Norfolk, a man who punched a member of staff has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Derek Kosecki, 67, was being transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn when he struck out at paramedic Paul Chittock.

Paul had been a called to the patient, who was intoxicated, at about 3.30pm on 23rd December and was being uncooperative after suffering a bump to the head.

Whilst being transported to hospital, the defendant tried to climb off the ambulance trolley and then punched the paramedic in the back.

He pleaded guilty to assault by battery at a court case on 11th February where he was given a nine month suspended sentence and ordered to pay £150 compensation.

Paul said: “I have had verbal abuse from patients, but never been assaulted in my 30 years in the ambulance service.

“It is important that action is taken, otherwise people will think they can get away with this sort of thing.

“I’m always aware of personal and crew safety, but this took me a bit off guard. It has made me a bit wary. You are there to help people and should not have to go through that.”

If you are assaulted whilst working for the Trust, please contact Local Security Management Specialist, Anne Wright by email anne.wright@eastamb.nhs.uk . All incidents should also be reported on Datix.

Published 5th March, 2016

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