A 59-year-old homeless man was jailed for nine months at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday after disagreeing with hospital staff over their diagnosis of his health complaint.
Peter Stewart, formerly of Muir of Ord, admitted a long list of previous convictions, including some for similar offences of threatening and abusive behaviour at the Accident and Emergency unit of Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
The court heard that Stewart was at the hospital about 8.30 on October 26 complaining of chest pains.
Fiscal depute Laura Ryan said: “There were other members of the public there and also reception staff.
“He was seen and advised that he could leave. He did leave but returned and started shouting at reception staff.
“Security was called and Stewart struck his walking stick on the counter and swore at the security staff before swinging his stick at them.
“Some members of the public were so alarmed, they left the waiting area. Police were called and he then became abusive towards the officers.”
Defence lawyer Willie Young said: “He didn’t agree with the assessment of medical staff and now in the cold sober light of day, he realises he shouldn’t have reacted in this way.
“He has been on remand for almost five weeks and in prison has been prescribed medication for a heart condition. He regrets his actions.”
Sheriff Margaret Neilson told Stewart: “This was entirely unacceptable behaviour.” The sentence was backdated to October 27 when Stewart was remanded in custody.
ends