Pensioner assaulted two paramedics
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A pensioner who assaulted two paramedics has received a suspended jail term.
Thomas McKeever, of Madison Avenue, Eglinton, pleaded guilty to common assault on July 18, last year.
Derry Magistrates Court heard the 70-year-old made a 999 call to the ambulance service.
When they arrived he was very drunk and denied making the emergency call.
It was revealed the pensioner would be known to the ambulance service and he became very abusive.
McKeever grabbed one of the paramedics by the arm and struck the second on the arm, causing pain.
The pensioner continued to be abusive and police were called.
The court heard that McKeever was confused and upset and after obtaining a medical opinion a decision was made to release him unconditionally.
He was later interviewed in his own home and claimed he had no memory of the incident.
A defence solicitor said her client has issues with memory loss and has a dependency on alcohol.
She added the 70-year-old is “mortified and embarassed” by his behaviour.
Suspending a three month jail term for two years, Deputy District Judge Oonagh Mullan said assaults on medical staff carrying out their duty are “viewed very seriously by the court”.
However, she accepted the incident was out of character for the pensioner.
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Weather for Derry
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: West
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Light rain
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