Derry Court: Man jailed for assault on two female members of staff at Altnagelvin

Derry Magistrate's Court today heard a solicitor say that his client was waiting for help for his drug and alcohol issues but he could be dead from the abuse before he gets that help.

The comments came in the case against Dennis Blanking (26) of no fixed abode who admitted assaulting two nurses in Altnagelvin Hospital and chasing one down a corridor in order to get his wine back.

Blanking admitted two counts of assault on March 10 and one charge of possessing Pregablin on March 11.

The court heard that police were called to A&E after two female members of staff were assaulted.

They were told that a member of staff noticed Blanking drinking from a bottle of red wine.

This was not allowed in the hospital and on top of that the defendant had been given medication for alcohol.

Blanking was asked for the wine and he initially handed it over but then grabbed the nurse by the arm and twisted it so much so she handed the wine back.

Blanking then agreed to hand over the wine and as the nurse walked away with the bottle the defendant started chasing her and she ran to the staff area and placed the wine on a shelf.

A Deputy sister was present and Blanking pinned her against a counter.

After being arrested a quantity of suspected Pregablin was found on him.

At interview Blanking said that he had drunk a ten glass bottle of whisky and some cider and had no recollection of events.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that this was 'an extremely serious case which will cause the court concern'.

He said Blanking could remember being in a bar and could not remember how he got to hospital.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that this case 'clearly crossed the custody threshold'.

He said the court 'will not tolerate assaults on medical staff'.

Blanking was jailed for 4 months.