A CARMARTHEN woman who assaulted two nurses after she was hospitalised following concerns for her wellbeing appeared before magistrates at Llanelli Law Courts on Thursday (Oct 19).
Appearing in court via videolink from HMP Eastwood Park, Francesca Stokes, 35, of Bronwydd Road, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by beating and a public order offence.
Prosecuting, Emma Myles told the court that on August 5 emergency services were called to Stokes’ home address following concerns for her wellbeing, and found her in her room in an unresponsive state, smelling of intoxicants.
When they managed to rouse her, Stokes became abusive, and paramedics decided that she should be taken to hospital. When she arrived, she became more aggressive.
Two members of staff attended to Stokes, and searched her handbag as part of the process. They found a lighter which Stokes grabbed, claiming she wanted to go for a cigarette. When she was told this was not possible, she lashed out at the nurses kicking both in the legs and causing immediate discomfort.
“This was an assault on medical staff who were trying to assist her,” Ms Myles remarked.
On August 13, emergency services were again called to Stokes’ house, where she was found in her bed smelling of intoxicants. When she was told that she had to go to the emergency ward, Stokes became abusive calling police officers ‘f***ing t***s’, and telling them not to talk to her.
She continued in a similar vein when taken out of her properties and continued her abusive tirade within earshot of her neighbours.
During the ambulance journey, Stokes asked if she could smoke and when told she couldn’t repeatedly cast aspersions on the paramedics’ abilities.
When waiting to be treated at the hospital, she continued to be abusive.
Representing Stokes, Laura Sherwood asked that credit be given for her early guilty pleas. She explained that Stokes, who had no previous convictions, was currently on remand for a matter which was being dealt with by Swansea Crown Court.
“She accepts that she carried out reckless acts, and should have let hospital staff continue searching her handbag,” Ms Sherwood added. “Fortunately there were no injuries caused.”
The court heard that Stokes had been suffering with mental health issues which had been the root cause of all her recent offending.
Magistrates fined Stokes £50 for the public order offence, which was written off for one day in custody.
She was given a 12-month conditional discharge for the assaults, and ordered to pay compensation of £50 to each complainant, costs of £85, and a victim surcharge of £20.
Add Comment