Teen on drugs smashed up hospital computers
Youth went on rampage during height of Covid pandemic
AYOUTH admitted to Birmingham’s City Hospital after taking drugs at a rave threatened staff and smashed up £15,000-worth of computers, a court heard
Lewis Willmore, 19, was described as ‘completely out of control’ when he went on his rampage during the height of the Covid pandemic.
Willmore, of Harding Road, Stoke, was sentenced to 12 months in jail, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £1,200 compensation after he previously admitted criminal damage and using threatening words and behaviour.
Robert Cowley, prosecuting, told Birmingham Crown Court that Willmore was admitted to the accident and emergency department of City Hospital on August 7.
At 8.20am a nurse heard a “crashing” sound coming from a treatment room and could see that the defendant had smashed up four computers – worth £3,500 each – which she described as “essential pieces of equipment”.
“He had his fists clenched, his eyes were wide open and he was behaving aggressively,” said Mr Cowley.
The nurse described Willmore as “completely out of control” and said he was threatening her and other members of staff.
“He was saying ‘I am going to f***ing punch you and beat you up’ and he then tried, unsuccessfully, to leave by a fire exit,” said Mr Cowley
Staff tried to help him, but he continued to be aggressive. Willmore did eventually leave but was then detained by security staff.
He made a phone call and was heard to say: “I have trashed the place and am under arrest.”
When later interviewed Willmore apologised for his behaviour, saying he had been to a rave and had taken some pills, but did not know what they were.
He said they caused him to believe that his heart would stop beating and was taken to hospital where he panicked about his condition.
Judge Roderick Henderson said what happened was in the middle of the most serious health emergency for 100 years and went on: “You smashed up equipment and you put members of staff under pressure, stress and in fear.”
He said what happened was the result of an “unexpected side effect of taking illegal drugs” and he accepted Willmore’s remorse was genuine.
Theresa Hunt, defending, said: “This defendant is extremely remorseful, ashamed and embarrassed. The terrible mistake he made that night was to take drugs in the first place. These pills are readily available on the night life scene.”
She said Willmore worked as a groundsman and that the offence had been out of character.