Jailed: Shrewsbury man assaulted and racially abused hospital staff in A&E

Peter Thomas, 36, spat in the face of a nurse and headbutted a doctor after he was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in an ambulance.

Thomas appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday, where he was sentenced to 59 weeks imprisonment after previously admitting to charges of racially aggravated assault, assaulting a police constable, assault by beating and possession of a Class B drug.

Thomas, who the court was told had suffered brain damage when he was a child, was also charged with being in possession of a bladed article while on police bail.

The court heard that on March 17, Thomas, of Abbots Road, Monkmoor, was taken to the A&E department at the hospital in the ambulance led by a police escort.

Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, said: "He was verbally abusive and aggressive to police officers and security staff at the hospital. His words were distasteful and he remained in an agitated state. He was given a sedative to calm him down."

The court heard Thomas racially abused staff as well as headbutting a doctor as attempts were made to take him to the X-ray department to scan his head.

Mr Edwards said: "Security staff were called into the X-ray room where he refused treatment and was aggressive.

"He was taken back to the A&E department where he continued to be aggressive and abusive. He threw punches at anyone who went near him."

Mr Edwards said Thomas spat in the face of a police officer and nurse as further attempts were made to restrain and sedate him.

The court was told Thomas was given a CT scan the following day where he was declared medically fit and discharged from hospital.

Thomas was later arrested on April 13 for his behaviour in the hospital. He was found with a small amount of cannabis on him.

While on bail on June 7, he was rearrested after reports he had been carrying a large kitchen knife in New Park Road in Shrewsbury.

Mr Adrian Roberts, for Thomas, said his client had struggled in life after he had been run over and been bullied as a child.

"He has had a disappointing life so far. He has been unable to work because of his disability. He resorted to drink and drugs to counter his frustration," he said.

"He is thoroughly ashamed of the way he conducted himself. He hopes the future for him will be brighter than his past."

Judge Peter Barrie accepted Thomas had suffered a head injury when he went to hospital, but that drink and drugs were no excuse for his behaviour.

"You behaved extremely bad to staff who were trying to help you," he added.

The judge ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the knife and cannabis.