Security guard was slashed by patient
Reporter A VIOLENT hospital patient waved a knife blade around and slashed a security guard after flying into a fit of rage.
Diabetic David Crowe brandished the weapon at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSEC), in Cramlington, after being taken there in the early hours of the morning because he was suffering from hypoglycemia.
But as three security guards and a nurse tried desperately to disarm the 39-year-old drug addict, he lashed out and slashed one of the guards on the arm, a court was told.
Another security guard also suffered a cut to his knee during a scuffle to remove the weapon from Crowe’s hand, while a third suffered a back injury, prosecutors said.
Now, Crowe, of Ridsdale Close, Seaton Delaval, is facing a jail sentence after he pleaded guilty to wounding without intent, affray and possession of a bladed article.
South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court heard that Crowe, who is Type 1 diabetic and a long-term drug abuser, was taken to NSEC at around 5am on September 24.
Clare Irving, prosecuting, said, after receiving some initial treatment, Crowe ran outside to go for a cigarette.
Ms Irving said: “The defendant’s mood suddenly changed when he saw four or five men and a nurse coming towards him.
“His dad tries to reassure him but he continues to be agitated.”
Ms Irving added: “It was noted then the defendant had a metal object, the blade of a Stanley knife, in his right fist.
“The guards back off because of this and the defendant’s father intervenes and tries to calm his son. The defendant then places his father in a headlock for a few seconds before loosening his grip.
“The security guards move towards the defendant and one grabs the defendant’s right wrist, while the others take him to the ground.
“It was then they realised the object in his hand was a Stanley knife blade. One security guard banged the defendant’s hand off the ground until he released his grip of the blade.
“Once the defendant was securely detained, the security guard realised that he was injured.”
The security guard suffered a slash to his right arm, which needed five stitches, the prosecutor said, while another guard suffered a minor cut.
A third security guard suffered pain to his back during the scuffle to disarm Crowe, which required him to be put on “strong painkillers”.
Magistrates released Crowe on bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court for sentence next month.