SWAH staff were abused
A judge has issued a stern warning to man who used aggressive and abusive behaviour at South West Acute Hospital to “expect absolutely no mercy”, if he conducts himself in this way on any medical premises again.
Conor Rogers (48) from Drumannon Rise, Omagh was convicted last month of using disorderly behaviour at the Emergency Department of South West Acute Hospital and sentenced to two months imprisonment, which he immediately appealed.
Dungannon County Court heard the incident in question occurred on the afternoon of December 9 when Rogers acted in an abusive and aggressive manner to reception and medical staff.
Police arrived and tried to escort him from the premises but he refused to speak to them. He left the unit of his own accord but hurled abuse at officers ignoring what they were saying to him. On attempting to discuss his earlier confrontation with staff, Rogers told police to “F*** off” and got into his car.
After being cautioned for disorderly behaviour Rogers replied, “You think I give a s***. I don’t give a f***. F*** away off.”
Officers warned him if he returned to the unit he needed to moderate his behaviour or he would be arrested.
Judge Stephen Fowler who heard the appeal, was informed whilst this matter was dealt with at Enniskillen Magistrates Court, a charge of assaulting a nurse which related to an incident the same day in the same unit, was heard at Omagh Magistrates Court. In respect of this, Rogers was given a suspended sentenced. Defence counsel said he was “at a loss” as to why both cases were not dealt with together.
Judge Fowler agreed and on enquiring why this had occurred, was simply advised a decision had been taken to prosecute the cases separately.
Rogers, who has caused disruption to on a number of occasions at several hospitals in now on the NHS Violent Patient List due to his repeated aggressive behaviour to staff.
However lawyers claim these incidents are borne out of frustration for “not getting the treatment he deserves.”
After consideration, Judge Fowler said on the basis of one case from the incident being dealt with by suspended sentence and the fact they should have been prosecuted together, he was would likewise suspended the second matter.
But he warned, “It is on that basis – and that alone – I will suspend the two months sentence for three years. He (Rogers) has to realise if he conducts himself in this manner on any staff member of any medical premises again, he can expect absolutely no mercy from this court.”
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