Woman remanded in Derry Court after attacks on nurses, patients and scalding inmates

A woman has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court charged with assaulting four nurses and three members of the public at Altnagelvin Hospital and scalding two prisoners in Hydebank Prison.

Gwyneth Doherty (47) of no fixed abode appeared charged with seven assaults on August 31 in Altnagelvin with the alleged victims being 4 nurses and three members of the public on August 31.

The defendant was also charged with disorderly behaviour and criminal damage to medical equipment on the same date.

She was further charged with assaulting two females prisoners in Hydebank Prison on May 17 by throwing scalding water over them.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.

The court was told that on May 17 police were called to the prison after reports that Doherty had thrown scalding water and sugar over two other prisoners after accusing one of them of stealing her milk.

On August 31police received 'multiple 999 calls' from Altnagelvin Hospital about a female attacking staff and patients.

They located Doherty and removed her to a police vehicle and were told that she had been 'highly aggressive' and had smashed up medical equipment including computers before going into the Triage area assaulting staff and patients.

Bail was opposed as Doherty has 108 previous convictions and an officer said she had 'violent tendencies' and was clearly a danger to hospital staff.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that this was a 'difficult application' and said his client had recently been released from prison and was having difficulties finding accommodation.

District Judge Suzanne Rice said that this was a 'very unpleasant situation in the hospital' and added that Doherty had a 'highly relevant record'.

Bail was refused and Doherty was remanded in custody to appear again on September 24.