The Accident and Emergency department at the South West Acute Hospital
A 48-year-old Enniskillen woman who had to be restrained by five members of staff at the South West Acute Hospital then assaulted two police officers at the police station.
Anne Scobie of Drumbawn, Drumclay was convicted of disorderly behaviour and two counts of assault on police when she appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court.
The prosecutor explained that on September 26, 2013 police were called to the South West Acute Hospital about a violent female patient. When they arrived at 7.17pm they observed Scobie being restrained by five hospital staff. She was shouting loudly “f*** off” and directing obscenities at staff calling them “f****** c****”. She was warned by police and told to calm down.
She continued to shout in the Accident and Emergency area and the defendant was warned multiple times about her behaviour. At 7.35pm she was arrested for disorderly behaviour. Scobie was cautioned and made no reply.
Upon entry to Enniskillen police station, Scobie became violent, kicking out at police and was taken to a police cell. In this process she bit an officer’s hand and was spitting at police. Leg restraints were applied to the defendant, but she continued to resist before being arrested for the other matters.
The following day Scobie was formally charged and she again made no reply. It was noted in court the defendant had no previous record.
Defence solicitor Garry Smyth explained that personal circumstances went some way to understanding the irrational behaviour of the defendant. Mr Smyth told the court that Scobie had presented herself for treatment, but was intoxicated. He acknowledged that the behaviour was ‘most unsatisfactory’ and recognised that the original incident taking place in a hospital setting was an aggravating factor. The defence said thankfully none of the assaults involved hospital staff nor were any injuries sustained by officers. He expressed remorse and regret on behalf of the defendant.
In mitigation Mr Smyth noted that Scobie had significant issues with her health, including mental health problems. The court were told that the defendant had a background of regular care from a consultant psychiatrist and had an extensive list of medication.
Mr Smyth asked that the court recognise the work done by the defendant in attending a number of programmes to deal with alcohol abuse and noted that Scobie had taken steps to ensure there would be no repetition of the behaviour.
District judge Nigel Broderick recognised that the defendant had a lot of issues including mental health difficulties and alcohol dependency. The district judge noted though that the court took a very dim view of misbehaviour in a hospital setting and said Scobie risked a custodial sentence.
Mr Broderick though took into account the defendant’s clear record and her genuine regret and remorse in the clear light of day. The judge imposed a probation order for a period of 12 months in the hope it would ‘copperfasten her ongoing work’.
A condition was added that Scobie comply with the probation service or would be brought back to court. He also ordered compensation be paid to two police officers totalling £350.
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