Surgery had to call police due to abusive patient
ELDERLY WERE LEFT FEARING FOR SAFETY IN WAITING ROOM
An abusive patient left elderly people in fear for their safety when he started to shout and swear in a doctor’s surgery waiting room.
Ryan Reynolds, 25, was at Fulwell Medical Centre, on February 22, when the incident took place, Sunderland magistrates heard.
Prosecutor Laura Johnson said Reynolds was in the reception area along with a number of patients, at 9.10am, when he demanded to be given medication.
Ms Johnson said the practice manager described how Reynolds had been given a week’s medication, but returned to demand more.
When he was told he could not have any more, he started shouting and swearing.
“He stated that he wouldn’t leave and asked for a second doctor to see him,” Ms Johnson said.
Instead, the doctor sent a message to the practice manager, who called the police.
Ms Johnson said: “The defendant then left the doctor’s room and approached the reception desk.
“He was highly agitated and there were several elderly patients in the waiting area at the time.” LAURA JOHNSON
He was repeatedly told to stop swearing, the court heard.
“Even behind the glass screen of the reception desk, the practice manager found the defendant alarming.
“She states she shouldn’t have to go to work to deal with this behaviour and described how some patients were visibly shocked and distressed.”
Reynolds, of Sea Road, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to causing harassment, alarm or distress.
The court heard he has 38 previous convictions on his record.
He was last in court on December 13 last year, when he was given a suspended prison sentence.
Jason Smith, defending, said: “It seems his behaviour can come across as quite aggressive, but he doesn’t actually mean anything by it.
“It’s just the way he deals with matters.
“He relies on his medication for his wellbeing and mental health.
“He goes to the doctor’s and perhaps doesn’t get the reaction that he wants and gets a little bit upset.”
Reynolds was given a conditional discharge for six months and the operational period of his suspended sentence was increased from 12 months to 18 months.
He was also told to pay £85 costs and a £20 surcharge.