Addict faces jail after attacking two RAH nurses

A drug addict has been warned she will be jailed for a shameless attack on two Paisley nurses.

Margaret Woods, 39, lashed out at Regina English, 54, and Nicholas Quinn, 25, kicking her in the face and spitting in his eye in a rampage which left patients petrified.

A member of the public spotted Woods staggering about Paisley and was concerned for her wellbeing in the early hours of Friday, May 18.

She had injected heroin a short time earlier and was rushed to hospital, where she assaulted both nurses.

The details emerged yesterday when Woods appeared in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court.

She pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms English, a staff nurse at the hospital, in breach of the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005.

She also admitted a charge of culpable and reckless conduct by spitting on Mr Quinn, knowing she had hepatitis C and was exposing him to risk of infection.

P ro c u r a t o r Fi s c a l Depute Keri Marshall said paramedics came across Woods after being called to George Street, Paisley, because a woman was under the influence.

Woods was taken to the Accident and Emergency department of the Royal Alexandra Hospital and went to the toilet, spending so much time in there that a paramedic went to check if she was okay.

Miss Marshall explained: “The accused began to become agitated and appeared to be irritated by the witness attempting to open the toilet door.

“The situation started to escalate in an A& E which was busy with patients and members of staff.

“She was warned about her behaviour.

“Regina English was on duty in her capacity as a senior staff nurse, heard the