First case for emergency workers law
15 Jun 05
Drug addict jailed under new Act after hospital disturbance
A 24 year old drug addict yesterday became the first person to be sentenced under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005.
Elizabeth McLean was jailed for six months after pleading guilty to obstructing a nurse and shouting abuse in Borders General Hospital on 3 June.
Sheriff Kevin Drummond at Selkirk Sheriff Court was told that the accused had phoned for an ambulance from her homeless accommodation after drinking and then taking 20 anti-psychotic tablets. When she arrived at the hospital she was shouting and swearing and obstructing staff.
The new Act, which came into force on 9 May, provides a maximum penalty of mine months' imprisonment or a fine of £5,000 for anyone assaulting, obstructing or hindering someone providing an emergency service.
Sheriff Drummond told McLean he had a duty to protect workers who served the public.