Man jailed for verbal abuse of a nurse

In the dock was Damien Joseph Young, of no fixed abode. The defendant pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly behaviour at Altnagelvin Hospital on January 26 this year.

The Magistrates’ Court heard that the incident occurred after the 48-year-old homeless man was taken to hospital by an ambulance crew.

On arrival at the hospital it was alleged that Young shouted at a nurse who was trying to treat him.

The prosecution told the District Judge, Barney McElholm, that at this point Young called the nurse an “old b****”. As a direct result of his behaviour and language, Young was asked to leave the accident and emergency department. However, a short time later, police officers who were patrolling in the area found Young, who was now asleep in a nearby bus shelter.

The court heard that the officers took him back to the hospital because they were concerned about his well being.

However, when they arrived at the hospital with Young, staff related the earlier incident to the police, who then arrested Young for being disorderly in a public place.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client has a long standing problem with alcohol.

“Sooner or later either the drink or the weather will get him,” Mr Quigley said.

Jailing the 48-year-old for six months, District Judge McElholm said the defendant was too far gone to give up drinking.