Man allegedly held bread knife to throat of Derry hospital worker

Darren Patrick White (41), a taxi driver of no fixed abode, has apologised to a hospital staff member for his behaviour, the court was told on Thursday.

White has been charged with assaulting a male hospital employee, attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm on him, attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of a knife with intent to wound and burglary by entering as a trespasser a restricted area in Altnagelvin Hospital, namely the staff kitchen.

Deputy District Judge Sean O'Hare was told that the police received a call from hospital staff at 2 a.m. on Wednesday who reported that the defendant, a patient, had attacked a member of staff with a knife. The court heard that police attended Ward 2 in the hospital and spoke with the alleged injured party.

It was claimed that the defendant, who was a patient in the ward, had held a knife to his throat. The police approached the defendant and he shouted at them: 'Take me to the barracks', the court heard.

The injured party said earlier that night he'd taken the defendant out for a cigarette. When he returned the staff member offered him tea and toast. The court heard the defendant declined the offer and allegedly started shouting that he wanted to go home and that he wanted an ambulance to take him home.

A police officer said: "Nursing staff gave him diazepam to calm him down. The injured party went into the staff kitchen for a drink of water and he felt something against his throat. He said it was the defendant holding the bread knife and the staff member said he shouted for help. Police and other staff members came to his assistance and grappled with the defendant during which the staff member sustained a cut to his left index finger."

During an interview following his arrest, the defendant said he was confused and believed he'd been locked up in police custody for days.

He said he went to hospital for treatment on Sunday and he has no recollection of any incidents there. He said he cannot remember anything and cannot understand why the allegations have been made against him.

The officer said police believed he was in an 'alcohol induced psychosis' because he has no memory of what happened in the hospital.

Applying for bail, solicitor Paddy MacDermott said the defendant was brought to the hospital by family members on Sunday following his consumption of alcohol that weekend.

"This was clearly a psychotic episode brought about from his reaction to alcohol. He deeply regrets his actions in the hospital, he apologises to the injured party and has expressed his concern for him", he said.

Refusing bail, the Deputy District Judge said the defendant presented a risk to others as well as to himself.

"There must be a proper package of support for him before he is considered suitable for bail. A mental health support programme must be in place before he can be released into the community" he said.

Addressing the defendant Mr. O'Hare added: "Your family did the right thing in bringing you to the hospital. Your behaviour there does not seem to be in dispute and is of a serious concern to the court.”

The defendant was remanded in custody until September 3.