Thug dodges jail after hospital attack

punched and slapped health workers forcing them to retreat from the room for their own safety.

Police tried to calm her down, but she kicked- off again and started “spitting in the air” in their direction.

Three officers had to carry her out of the hospital while she struggled.

Prosecutor Margaret McCallum told how the patient lost control.

She said: “She had been brought into the hospital by paramedics for being drunk. She had wet herself.

“Two nurses started to assess her and they were required to remove her trousers so that she could be examined by a doctor.

“They started to remove the accused’s jeans and while doing that she lashed out, slapping both witnesses on the arms as they were at either side of her. She slapped and punched both witnesses. One nurse was left with marks on the forearm.

“The accused was shouting ‘f**k off,’ ‘get to f***,’ and ‘leave me alone.’”

Leitch pled guilty to assaulting, obstructing and hindering A& E nurses and repeatedly striking and punching them on the body on June 30 last year.

She also admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner by shouting, swearing and spitting in the direction of police.

Defence lawyer Cha r l i e McCusker admitted there were “clear” concerns about his client’s behaviour.

He said: “She shows a high level of remorse. She has had significant difficulties in her upbringing.

“She has had difficulties with violent partners and with parental upbringing. She knows the court has to protect medical staff.

“Her reaction was disproportionate, perhaps muddled by drink, although that is not an excuse.”

Leitch of Neilston Road, Paisley, was ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work in 12 months.