Woman who was abusive to nurses avoids jail

A WOMAN from Lerwick with a “very aggressive alcohol problem” who admitted abusing and threatening staff at the town’s Gilbert Bain Hospital has narrowly avoided going to jail.

Sarah Irvine, of Flat 4, 12A North Road, previously admitted breaching the peace by shouting, swearing and threatening violence at the hospital on 2 April this year.

The 29 year old also admitted shouting, swearing and threatening two women with violence at her home address on 15 May.

In addition, Irvine pleaded guilty to assaulting a female police officer in the execution of her duty and attempting to spit at her at Lerwick police station on 26 May.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday that the woman had been taken by police to A&E on 2 April after injuring herself on a broken vodka bottle.

However, she became “very aggressive to nursing staff” and engaged in “disgraceful behaviour” as her “problem” with drink reared its head.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client understands the severity of her behaviour and is “absolutely disgusted with herself”.

She is now getting support for alcohol misuse and is seeing aspects of her private life improve.

Sheriff David Hall told Irvine that she should be “thoroughly ashamed” of her actions.

Deciding against a custodial sentence, Hall said the woman was in the “last chance saloon”.

He placed Irvine under supervision for two years, gave her 100 hours of unpaid work and ordered her to pay £250 in compensation to the Gilbert Bain Hospital.

Irvine was also placed under curfew for four months, meaning she must not leave her home between 7pm and 7am.