Prison for offender who spat in the faces of Forth Valley Royal Hospital staff who tried to help him

Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday, Connor McLean, 27, had pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour and assaulting a doctor and security guard by spitting on them at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on December 10 last year.

Mandy Jones, procurator fiscal depute, said: “It was 5.15pm and the accused attended the emergency department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital and was being treated by a doctor.

"At 6.30pm the accused suddenly became aggressive towards staff, telling them to leave him alone and saying he wanted to leave the hospital. They were extremely concerned for his welfare due to his condition, so staff contacted security officers.

"The accused began lashing out with his arms and legs as attempts were made to restrain him. They took hold of his feet and he continued to thrash his legs and arms about in an attempt to escape the NHS staff.

"He was repeatedly shouting and swearing and stated he would stab everyone present. He spat in the direction of one doctor, striking him on the side of his head. He then spat on a security guard, hitting him in the eye and face.”

The court heard McLean had no recollection of these “appalling” and “terrible” events, but was “disgusted by his own behaviour” when he was told what he had done.

It was stated he had consumed a large quantity of alcohol and then injected insulin, putting himself into a hypoglycemic state, which his defence solicitor suggested was one reason for his violent behaviour on the day in question.

McLean was said to be a “new dad” who had a “lot to lose if he is sent to prison”.

Sheriff Alison Michie said: “Staff were there to assist you. They have the right to go about their job without this sort of thing happening.”

She said she had no alternative but to impose custody and sentenced McLean, 4A Angus Court, Perth, to eight months in prison.