By Donna Macallister
A paramedic was assaulted in a hospital cubicle as he tried to treat a drunken man who had taken an overdose, a court heard yesterday.
The ambulanceman was left shaken, but was not seriously injured, after Peter Dolloway punched him in the back at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin. Dolloway, 35, pleaded guilty by letter and chose not to attend Elgin Sheriff Court to answer the charges yesterday.
The court heard that an ambulance was called out to Dolloway’s home at 130 Harbour Road, Gardenstown, near Banff, on November 2.
Procurator fiscal Raymond O’Brien said Dolloway had taken an overdose of prescription medicine and was taken to the hospital.
Police were called after Dolloway lashed out at the medic while he was helping him in a cubicle.
He was cautioned and charged and left in the care of staff.
Mr O’Brien added: “However, at 3.45am another call was received from the hospital saying the accused was still in the premises after being dismissed. When police appeared the officers found him under the influence of alcohol and, due to the high level of intoxication, he was taken into custody as being drunk and incapable.” Dolloway admitted assaulting, obstructing or hindering the ambulance paramedic.
He also pleaded guilty to punching him on the body and being drunk and incapable of taking care of himself. Sheriff Noel McPartlin fined him £600.
A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said last night that alcohol was a key factor in the majority of such incidents.
He added: “Any assault or intimidation of ambulance staff is totally unacceptable and our crews deserve more respect.”
