North-east man left threatening voicemail at Aberdeen Children’s Hospital after struggling to get appointment for his daughter

A north-east man has admitted threatening staff at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.

John Flanagan lost patience with staff after as he tried repeatedly to get through on the phone to make an appointment for his daughter.

In the end, he left a threatening voicemail.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard Flanagan warned the staff: “My daughter is going to get an appointment or one of you will get it.”

Staff then reported the incident, which happened on May 23 last year, to police.

Flanagan, of Auchreddie Road East, Turriff, admitted the offence when he appeared in court yesterday.

Solicitor David Sutherland revealed the 54-year-old had become frustrated with his inability to get an appointment.

He said: “He was starting to feel frustration with NHS Grampian.

“He works abroad in the offshore industry, his wife struggles with English, he had come back to the country to try to get an appointment.

“He had tried to get through to NHS Grampian but there was no answer and then he left this message.

“He was frustrated and concerned for his daughter’s health.”

Sheriff Morag Mclaughlin fined him £280.