Woman who racially abused and swore at staff while attending Derry A&E jailed
A woman has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court following a number of incidents at Altnagelvin Hospital.
Chloe Sharkey (25) of Westbourne Crescent, Coleraine was charged with disorderly behaviour, two counts of assault and criminal damage, on August 9.
Sharkey was, the court heard, shouting and swearing while attending A&E, and racially abused members of staff.
The assaults were said to be of a technical nature rather than physical.
Defence Barrister Stephen Mooney called Sharkey's offences 'appalling' but said that there was a 'pretty terrible background', including personal losses and mental health issues for Sharkey, who accepted responsibility.
District Judge Ted Magill noted that Sharkey had pleaded guilty but said that the court 'sees cases like this all too often', with people going to A&E and being abusive to staff and patients.
Sentencing Sharkey to three months in custody, he noted that those responsible often have mental health or addiction issues but said that, 'while having every sympathy', the 'protection of the public takes precedent'.