Man on cannabis assaulted medics
ATTACKER LASHED OUT AS
HE RECEIVED TREATMENT
A MAN flew into a panic and attacked paramedics as they tried to treat him, a court heard.
Craig O’Rourke 30, admitted beating two paramedics at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The incident took place on December 24 2020 at O’Rourke’s home address on Kirby Close, Billingham. The court heard he rang emergency services believing he had suffered a stroke.
Two paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service attended and carried out checks.
O’Rouke told the workers he had used cannabis one hour before and consented to an electrocardiogram.
The court heard the defendant was agitated and asked if he was going to die.
Rehana Haque, prosecuting, said the defendant swung his right leg, kicking one of the paramedics in the left knee who was trying to place the stickers on his chest.
She said he then placed stickers on him again and kicked the paramedic and then lunged towards another colleague and attempted to put him in a headlock.
In a victim impact statement the paramedic said: “No one has the right to assault me, it’s unacceptable.”
His colleague added: “It’s left me feeling angry and disappointed. I do not expect to come to work and be assaulted.”
The court heard O’Rourke has one conviction for one offence of dishonesty.
In mitigation, it was claimed the defendant is extremely remorseful and accepts the stress caused.
His defence solicitor said the attacks were out of character and he has since sought help for his anxiety and is now on medication.
The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report.
O’Rourke will appear for sentencing on July 13 and was granted unconditional bail.