Man jailed for assault on doctor in hospital

The doctor was assaulted in Altnagelvin hospital's emergency department

A man from Londonderry has been jailed for an assault on a doctor at Altnagelvin Hospital earlier this year.

Alex Crawford, 26, of Kinsale Park in Derry, admitted three charges of assault, as well as disorderly behaviour and resisting police, following an incident in the hospital's emergency department on 13 March.

Londonderry Magistrates' Court was told that the disturbance began after Crawford shouted at staff and other patients before storming out of the department, banging doors as he left.

He was said to have later returned, entering another clinical area where he pulled back curtains in patient cubicles, invading their privacy.

'Disgraceful'

The court was told Crawford continued his aggressive behaviour before pushing a doctor and requiring staff to restrain him until police arrived.

In a pre-sentence report, Crawford admitted to having alcohol and drugs in his system.

District Judge Ted Magill described Crawford's actions as "disgraceful" and said he had no business being in the hospital.

The judge said cases involving assaults in hospitals increasingly require sentences that serve as a deterrent.

The judge said the three-month sentence, instead of the maximum term, was as a result of Crawford's guilty plea.