Doctor developed infection after being bitten on the hand

A doctor who has bitten in the hand by a patient at Sligo University Hospital developed an infection following the assault, Sligo District Court has heard.

Nicole Chambers of No Fixed Abode pleaded guilty last Thursday to assaulting Dr Edward Herridge at Sligo University Hospital on April 11 th last and also damaging a chair in the Emergency Department.

The court heard Chambers also set off a fire alarm at the hospital.

Chambers had been in custody on the matters since April 11 th. She had previously been refused bail on the matters as she had no fixed address.

The court heard Dr Herridge’s skin was punctured by the bite and he developed an infection three days after the assault occurred and he had to take time off work.

“Doctors and all personnel serve with nothing but respect and the court is here to vindicate their rights,” Judge Kevin Kilrane said.

Chambers was granted bail after a family friend agreed she could live with her at an address in Cloonacool, providing she obey strict bail conditions.

Conditions include a curfew between 10pm and 8am, surrendering her phone after 6pm to 8am, not to contact emergency services unless deemed necessary by family and to refrain from drugs and alcohol.

Judge Kilrane said according to a psychiatric report Chambers has no psychiatric issues and does know right from wrong.

He said her solicitor Mr Tom MacSharry and her family were trying to help her.

Her mother, Michelle said her daughter had put the family ‘ through hell’.

Judge Kilrane put the matter back to July 23rd to monitor and said a custodial sentence was something he clearly had in mind.