Enniskillen Court House, RMGFH04
An Enniskillen man damaged over almost £2,500 worth of hospital equipment and assaulted a Ward Sister and porter in what his own lawyer has described as “disgraceful, outrageous conduct.”
The incident happened in the South West Acute Hospital around midnight on June 21 last year after Jason Magerr (26) of Carnmore Lodge, Cornagade, Enniskillen was admitted by ambulance with a self-inflicted laceration to his arm.
After grabbing scissors and inflicting a second wound to his arm, Magerr punched a male porter and kicked him to the legs and groin before attacking the female nurse. He punched her shoulder and kicked her left thigh. Omagh Crown Court was told the Ward Sister has not worked since as a result of the incident and has been receiving treatment which is “not for the physical effects of the attack.”
Judge Paul Ramsey QC viewed the five minute incident which was captured on CCTV. The defendant could be seen jumping on a counter and kicking a monitor and other equipment. He also threw over what appeared to be a drip-stand. The damage to the hospital equipment came to £2,496 while the cost of replacing the nurse’s glasses which were broken was £545.
Magerr admitted charges of assault on the nurse and porter and criminal damage to hospital equipment and the pair of glasses. He committed the offences just five days after being released on bail from the Magistrates Court for similar offences.
Defence barrister Gavyn Cairns said his client wished to tender a “complete, unreserved, uncaveated apology to the nurse and her colleagues.”
The court was also told that Magerr sent a letter of apology to the hospital staff.
Mr Cairns said, ‘It was disgraceful, outrageous conduct on people who were there to help him. It meant a discrete suspension of that ward for ten minutes and even longer to bring it back to operational pace.
He was there to seek expertise off staff members. His behaviour was outrageous.
“He appears not to have any concern for equipment, little concern for the safety of staff members but also appears to have no concern for himself.”
Mr Cairns also indicated that Magerr has “problems” with prescription drugs and has a history of mental health difficulties.
Judge Ramsey noted the defendant’s previous record and said, “He has form for this. Common assault seems to be his stock-in-trade in the Magistrates Court.”
The judge also said the incident was “not momentary” such a slashing out at a nurse or hospital porter rather it had been “a persistent and sustained effort.”
Mr Cairn suggested that his client in fact a “grossly timid man.”
Judge Ramsey replied, “There is little sign of timidity on the footage.”
The judge ordered a pre-sentence report.
He indicated that he will consider a letter to the court from the defendant’s grandmother, a doctor’s report and the submissions from the prosecution and the defence.
Judge Ramsey added, “These are serious matters. Attacks on hospital staff can not be tolerated and this crosses the custodial threshold.”
Magerr will appear back in Omagh Crown Court for sentencing on May 18.
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