Patient racially abused

Shameful conduct

A reprehensible K i r k s h aws man subjected a sick patient at Monklands Hospital to racist abuse, a court heard.

Intoxicated Arthur Higgins approached the stunned man on April 19 and repeatedly asked him if he was carrying “a bomb”.

The victim had earlier attended the hospital feeling unwell and tried his best to ignore Higgins’ disgraceful questioning before another member of the public reported Higgins to the police.

Higgins, 64, admitted his guilt at Airdrie Sheriff Court on August 8 and the St James’ Way native returned to the dock earlier this month following a deferral for background reports.

Procurator fiscal Yolande Love described Higgins’ shameful conduct: “It was midnight and the witness attended the hospital feeling unwell.

“The accused was intoxicated and saw the witness and asked him if he had a light.

“The witness ignored him and the accused said, ‘do you have a bomb?’ The witness accused him of racism.

“Later, the accused pulled down on the witness’ hood and again asked, ‘do you have a bomb?’”

Defence solicitor Gary Morton, mitigating on Higgins’ behalf, said: “He would benefit from supervision and it would consolidate the help he is already receiving.”

Sheriff Frank Pieri then told Higgins: “I will impose a community payback order with supervision for six months, with a conduct requirement that you attend mental health and addiction services.”