Patient’s homophobic remarks at officer ‘in front of children’
A hospital patient fired homophobic abuse at a policeman in front of children after being admitted for treatment.
David McCully, 29, verbally abused the officer and made other vile comments at SunderlandRoyalHospital,having already threatened staff.
McCully, of Rennie Road, Downhill,wasbeingtreatedfor a head wound on October 20, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.
He committed what was described in court as a “hate crime” and admitted using threatening or abusive words or behaviour causing harassment alarm or distress, while subject to a suspended prison sentence for burglary and aggravated vehicle taking.
Magistrates refused to activate the two-year suspended jail term, imposed by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court last June.
But they warned they were obligedtosendhiscasebackto that court for their decision to be reviewed.
Prosecutor Jonathan Straughan said: “The officer was called to attend Sunderland Royal Hospital.
“The defendant had suffered a head injury and was present at the hospital.
“The officer has stated the defendant made threats to assault staff and was being aggressive,andhisbehaviourwas distressing.”
MrStraughansaidMcCully then made several “homophobic” remarks.
He added: “The remarks have been directed at the officer. They were homophobic
in nature.”
The officer’s victim statement, read to the court, confirmed McCully’s words were said in front of children and members of the public.
Defence solicitor Harry Burn said McCully was doing well on his suspended sentence order, which included checks which proved he was drug-free.
MrBurnadded:“Hetoldthe policeduringhisinterviewthat he didn’t recall making these comments.
“Hehastoacceptthehomophobic remarks, but there’s no statement from the officer to say how he felt.”
“There’s nothing there, in the interests of justice, to encroach upon the suspended sentence.
“He’s doing quite well with the Probation Service.”
McCully was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with 20 days of rehabilitation work, and he must pay a £95 victimsurchargeand£85court costs.