Woman (39) became aggressive and assaulted two nurses and a consultant at Altnagelvin Hospital

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a woman is alleged to have assaulted two nurses and a consultant at Altnagelvin Hospital.

Amanda Coleman (39) of Rockmills in Derry appeared charged with assaulting the three individuals on September 21.

She was also charged with disorderly behaviour in the hospital on the same date as well as a charge of possessing cannabis.

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

The court heard that police were called to the hospital at 12. 25pm on September 21 due to a female causing a disturbance and being aggressive.

They were told that the defendant had become aggressive and was shouting at staff and patients.

She put one nurse in fear of violence and then as Coleman left the major trauma area she tried to punch another nurse who was walking past.

A consultant told police the defendant had kicked a bottle of water at him and was 'swearing and pointing her finger'.

She was then said to have kicked another bottle of water at a different staff member.

Coleman was said to have left A&E and later that evening was arrested in the city centre.

While in custody a deal bag of cannabis was said to have been found on her.

The police officer said that Coleman was from the Republic and so he believed she posed a risk of flight.

He also said that there was a delay in finding out from Gardai if she had a record in that jurisdiction.

The officer said that when Coleman was brought to see a nurse while in custody she had become aggressive and had had to be brought back to her cell.

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that his client was originally from Limerick and had then resided in Donegal before coming to Derry.

He said that there had been no case made out that she was a flight risk apart from the fact she was originally from the Republic.

He said that she could be released to an address approved by the PSNI.

District Judge Barney McElholm said he would take a chance and release the defendant on her own bail of £500 with a cash surety of £1,000.

She was released to an address approved by the PSNI and banned from the grounds of Altnagelvin Hospital apart from a medical emergency.

Coleman will appear again on October 10.