A MAN who assaulted a security guard at South Tyneside District Hospital after being escorted off the premises has been warned about boozing.
Robert Smith, 27, of Richardson Avenue, South Shields, had been drinking heavily before visiting the hospital’s accident and emergency department with a hand injury on November 27.
He was found asleep in the waiting room, but when a nurse tried to wake him he became aggressive and swore at staff.
He was escorted out by two security staff, but twice tried to get back in before confronting the workers.
Smith admitted assault by beating, and being drunk and disorderly. Prosecutor Keith Laidlaw said: “He was unsteady on his feet and very drunk. He was taken off hospital grounds, but then he began to struggle and got abusive.”
The court heard that Smith threw a punch at one of the security officers, but missed. and then kicked the other guard in the leg.
Gavin Sword, defending, said: “Mr Smith had been drinking heavily, but came to the hospital for a legitimate reason. He fell asleep in the public waiting area.
“A nurse tried to rouse him, and then used what she called ‘pain stimulus’ to rouse him.
“He left the hospital calmly, but there was another dispute as he tried to get back into the hospital grounds and he kicked the guard in the upper and lower leg.
“There was no injury caused. Mr Smith has had issues with accommodation and alcohol issues. At the time the offence occurred he didn’t have any permanent accommodation and had slipped back into heavy drinking.”
Chair of the magistrates, Ian Alexander, said: “For a man of 27, your record is quite extensive, but you have a serious addiction to alcohol.
“Help is available, but you need to accept help.
“If that is unsuccessful you will be on a downward spiral, which will be quite serious for you.”
Smith was given a 12-month community order with supervision, required to undergo alcohol treatment for six months, and observe an eight-week 7am-7pm curfew.
He was also ordered to pay £50 compensation to the guard and a victim surcharge of £60.
No costs were ordered against him, and no separate penalty for the drunk and disorderly charge.
Twitter: @shieldsgazette