Patient on drink and drugs had to be handcuffed to a hospital bed
A violent and abusive hospital patient kicked off at staff and police trying to help him to the extent he had to be handcuffed to his hospital bed for their safety.
Joseph Toone, who already had 72 offences on his record, also made outrageous sexual comments during a 40-minute outburst.
He subjected medical staff to a tirade of racist abuse and twice kicked a female police officer during his “frightening” display.
Leicester Crown Court was told the 39-year-old had fallen downstairs and injured his hand at home in Freehold Street, on Loughborough’s Bell Foundry estate, when drunk and high on cocaine.
Ambulance paramedics were so concerned about his “unpredictable and abusive” behaviour on the way to Leicester Royal Infirmary they asked for the police to attend, at 3am on May 1.
While in a bay in the Majors ward he resisted an attempt by nurses to carry out observations and had to be restrained for his blood pressure to be taken.
Catherine Picardo, prosecuting, said: “He exposed himself, although it’s possible he didn’t intend to because he was so intoxicated, but the nurse had to leave the booth and another male nurse, who took over, was then verbally and racially abused.”
A particularly offensive slur was then repeated “at least 20 times” causing the nurse to become “very distressed”. The prosecutor said: “He was shouting very loudly and lots of people were around.
“One of two officers attending ended up handcuffing him to the hospital bed and at times they had to hold his other arm in the air.”
A woman officer was called insulting names with sexual suggestions. She was repeatedly sworn at and kicked on both of her knees, causing pain lasting several hours. Both officers were repeatedly racially abused.
Following his arrest and detention at a police station, Toone’s appalling behaviour continued and he spat five times at the window of his cell door.
Toone pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker, three counts of racially aggravated harassment and damaging a cell door with spit, that cost £85 to clean to Covid safety standards.
Recorder Jason MacAdam said: “If he was truly remorseful he’d have addressed his alcohol and drug issues. “He’s put his own interests – his desire for intoxication – above everyone else.
“It means that those who are caring for him and protecting him from himself are subject to violence and abuse. His actions are entirely selfish.”
Sentencing, he told the defendant he had turned his back on “countless chances” by the courts and added: “I’m told the Probation Service simply cannot work with you.
“You’ve committed 72 previous offences, including drink-related public order offences, you’ve breached court orders and you’ve been to prison.
“It may be you have difficulties. Lots of people that come here do.
“You’re exploring those difficulties and I wish you well, but it’s too little too late.”
The recorder said anyone on the receiving end of Toone’s racial abuse would have been distressed and it was “frightening” for those in the vicinity.
Lucky Thandi, mitigating, said Toone had no memory of his conduct towards those trying to help him, but wished to express remorse and regret.
She said: “He’s ashamed of his actions.”
A character reference from a friend described Toone in glowing terms as a “supportive and welcoming person”.
The friend said she had entrusted the defendant to look after her mixed-race children without problems – and that he was not a racist.
Miss Thandi told the court: “He says he’s nearly 40 years old and it’s taken until now for him to want to bring about change. He’s now taken steps to address his offending behaviour. He’s seen his GP and is having an assessment for ADHD.”
Toone, who also admitted breaching a previously imposed suspended sentence, was jailed for a total of 13 months.