Jail for attack on nurse and police
A patient who attacked a nurse and a police officer while she was being treated in hospital has been put behind bars.
Claire Laing kicked a nurse in the thigh when she tried to rouse her from sleep in a treatment room at Sunderland Royal hospital, where she was undergoing assessment, in the early hours of August 8.
The 39-year-old then hit out at a police officer, who had been called after she issued threats to "headbutt someone" and struck him in the neck with her hand.
Newcastle Crown Court heard neither of the victims suffered injury in the attacks.
But the nurse said in her victim statement: "I became a nurse to help people who are in need. I have worked throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, front line, often in full PPE.
"I worked on the Covid ward and actually tested positive myself and had to take two weeks off, which I now have to make up."
The nurse said she understands nursing carries an element of risk but added: "I do not expect or accept being physically assaulted in my role."
The police officer said in his statement: "It is absolutely disgusting that NHS staff should have to put up with this kind of behaviour.
"We, as police, expect confrontation when arresting violent offenders. The NHS staff have to work tirelessly, extremely long hours in extremely difficult circumstances, with the added pressure of Covid-19."
Laing, of no fixed address, admitted two charges of assault on an emergency worker. The court she has convictions for 63 previous offences, which include violence and attacks on police.
Judge Robert Spragg sentenced her to four months behind bars.
The judge said there would have been an "element of disorientation", given Laing had just woken up and had no memory of getting to hospital when she committed the offences.
But Judge Spragg said an immediate prison term could not be avoided.
Laing had claimed she lashed out at the nurse because "she didn't know where she was" and she hadn't realised the "man in black" was a police officer.
The court heard Laing has long standing issues with drugs and alcohol.