Sheriff sends out warning to thugs who assault emergency services workers

Feb 24 2011 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A SHERIFF said he wanted to send out a strong message to the community as he jailed a woman who assaulted a nurse.

Sheriff Grahame Fleming said those who assaulted emergency services workers would be dealt with “severely” as he sentenced Tracey Tallons to 80 days in prison for assaulting a nurse in the accident and emergency department of St John’s Hospital in Livingston.

Livingston Sheriff Court heard that an ambulance had been called to The Avenue in Whitburn shortly after 1.30am on August 21 last year after receiving reports of a woman lying on the road.

When they arrived, they discovered 39-year-old Tallons lying unresponsive on the pavement.

“She was put in the back of the ambulance but due to her becoming aggressive the police were contacted,” fiscal depute Claire Martin said.

“She was taken to St John’s for examination and the police followed.

“She was transferred to a cubicle at the accident and emergency department where two staff nurses were looking after her.

“The accused became very agitated and restless. One of the staff nurses was talking to the accused when without warning she lashed out at the complainer with her right arm and struck her to the chest.

“The complainer was visibly upset by the assault and had to leave the cubicle leaving the other nurse to calm the accused down.”

Last week at the court, Tallons, whose address was given as Dick Gardens, Bathgate, pled guilty to assaulting the nurse.

Her solicitor, Kevin Dugan, told the court his client had a very limited record.

“Assaults on medical staff are always treated seriously but she has no convictions for assault at all,” Mr Dugan said.

“She is appalled by her actions and ashamed of them.

“She does not remember anything about it but expresses her regret. She is a lady who would struggle to cope with a custodial sentence.”

However, jailing Tallons for 80 days for the offence, Sheriff Fleming warned: “You were under the influence of alcohol, you were on bail granted by this court on three occasions and you assaulted a nurse who was only trying to help you.

“I consider that the court should send a strong message to the community that those who behave in this way will be dealt with severely.

“Having regard to the nature of the offence, I consider no sentence other than imprisonment is appropriate.”