Warning for thugs who attack medics

A SHERIFF has issued a public warning that people who attack NHS workers will be dealt with severely.

Sheriff Graeme Fleming made his comments yesterday as he sentenced a woman to 80 days in prison for assaulting a nurse in the A&E department of St John's Hospital in Livingston on August 21 last year.

He told 39-year-old Tracey Tallons that she was under the influence of alcohol and on bail when she committed the offence.

He told her: "You assaulted a nurse who was trying to help you. I consider the court should send out a strong message to the community that those who behave in this way will be dealt with severely.

"Only a sentence of imprisonment is appropriate."

Tallons, of Bathgate, West Lothian, was appearing for sentence at Livingston Sheriff Court. She earlier pleaded guilty to striking a staff nurse on the body.

Claire Martin, prosecuting, said the accused was lying drunk and "unresponsive" in the street at 1.30am. When paramedics put her in the back of the ambulance she became aggressive.