Woman admits assaulting doctor and nurse at Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital

Elaine McCloskey (49) of Church Street, Limavady admitted May 22 assaults when she appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

The court was told that McCloskey approached a doctor from behind in A&E and punched her on the back causing 'discomfort and shock'.

Later she squared up to staff putting them in fear of assault.

McCloskey also pushed a nurse in the chest causing her to stumble.

Defence solicitor Jack Quigley said he was going to ask the court to deal with this case on Wednesday.

However, District Judge Suzanne Rice said that she wanted a pre-sentence report after what she heard.

The judge said that this woman had assaulted two members of staff as they went about their business.

She said the courts would not tolerate assaults on emergency staff and added that the custody threshold had been reached.

She said she also wanted both injured parties to be asked did they wish to make a victim impact report.

McCloskey will be sentenced on September 23.