Man who assaulted nurses at hospital given £1,600 financial penalty

A MAN from Northumberland who assaulted two nurses at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick has been fined £600 and told to pay £500 in compensation to each of his victims.

Wade Handley, of Bedlington, previously admitted punching a nurse at the hospital on 14 March this year as well as striking another on her body.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday that the 43-year-old was found unconscious, “soaking wet” and smelling strongly of alcohol on the town’s Burgh Road at around 5.30am on the day in question, and was taken to hospital.

But Handley became agitated and aggressive while in the hospital and assaulted two nurses despite the staff “clearly having his best intentions at heart”, procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said.

Police officers attended and Handley’s behaviour improved, but the nurses were left shaken by the incident, the court heard.

The case had previously been adjourned for the preparation of a criminal justice work report.

When the case recalled at the court on Wednesday, Handley – defending himself – spoke remotely via videolink to apologise to everyone involved.

He also said he had no recollection of the incident and that it was out of character.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said there was “no excuse” for the behaviour against emergency workers.