Derry Court: Woman who was 'verbally aggressive' to ambulance crew has sentence deferred

District Judge Barney McElholm has said that defendants that claim they are remorseful should 'put their money where their mouth is' and bring compensation to court.

He was speaking during the case involving Samantha Robson (35) of Ballymagowan Avenue in Derry who admitted two assaults on ambulance crew, attempted criminal damage and a charge of disorderly behaviour on October 28 last.

The court heard that police were called to assist ambulance staff who were dealing with Robson in Westland Street. 

Robson had been 'verbally aggressive' towards the ambulance crew and had been shouting profanities and abuse.

The ambulance crew were in fear of violence and locked themselves in the cab. 

The court heard that Robson began hitting the vehicle and when an ambulance service supervisor arrived Robson began striking that vehicle as well. 

When interviewed Robson said she could not recall what had happened but was remorseful. 

She claimed that the ambulance crew had been laughing at her standing in the rain. 

Defence counsel Stephen Mooney said this woman had no record until she was 30-years-old but since then 'things had gone terribly wrong.'

He said that at least there had been no direct violence.

Judge McElholm asked if the defendant had brought any compensation and was told no. 

He said that if someone was really remorseful they should come to court with compensation.

He said he would defer sentence on Robson until January 26 and told if there was no further offences she would get a suspended sentence but if there were offences she was getting a 'lengthy custodial sentence'.

The judge also told Robson she should bring a total of £1,500 in compensation.