Magistrates' Court hears of staff assaults at Rampton Hospital

A CATALOGUE of assaults on Rampton Hospital staff were dealt with by Retford Magistrates last week.

The cases of four patients were heard by the court, although none of the defendants were present.

Magistrates heard that patient Vincent Mulholland, who has a "fascination with necks", put his hands around the throat of a female solicitor during a meeting on January 18.

He pleaded guilty to two assaults.

Crown prosecutor David Atkiss told the court Mulholland, who was convicted of manslaughter in 1982, had met with the solicitor, her colleague and a staff nurse as the victim was set to take on work on his behalf.

After showing no signs of aggression for the entire 20 minute gathering, the defendant suddenly stood up and charged with outstretched arms at the victim, said Mr Atkiss.

Mulholland, 55, put both hands around the throat of the complainant and squeezed, the court was told.

The nurse came to assist and pulled Mulholland backwards, but this allowed the defendant to put his hands around the nurse's neck, although no pressure was applied, Mr Atkiss said.

He was eventually overpowered by staff and secluded.

In mitigation, Mulholland's solicitor said the hospital should have not have considered allowing three females to meet with the defendant, whom he described as an "ill man."

He said his client accepted what he did was wrong and was extremely sorry.

"This is someone who is trying to rectify his mental health disorder," he added.

Magistrates awarded £150 compensation to the solicitor victim and £50 to the nurse.

The case of a patient accused of pouncing on staff and attacking them with her fingernails was also heard by magistrates.

Lisa Whitman, of Emerald Ward, was found by two members of staff sitting underneath her mattress and, worried she was self harming, entered the room to remove the obstacle, the court heard.

As the two went into the room, Whitman hid in a corner before launching herself at the nurses.

The court was told she raked her nails down the face of one nurse before being restrained, during which time she was swearing and spitting.

And almost exactly the same circumstances made up the second charge, this time Whitman managed to scratch a nurse's arm.

She pleaded guilty to two charges of assault and was made to pay a £50 fine and also has to give £150 compensation to both injured nurses.

The next case was that of Rampton patient Sharon Kirby, who pleaded guilty to an assault.

Kirby, of Ruby Ward, had asked a staff nurse for medication to help keep her calm, said Mr Atkiss.

As the two approached the clinic, the nurse turned to speak to a colleague and was attacked by Kirby.

The court was told the initial contact was probably a punch to the head before victim's hair was grabbed and she was taken to the floor.

Staff then managed to restrain Kirby.

Her solicitor, Tony Hadfield, said his client accepted culpability for the offence.

Kirby was made to pay £150 compensation to the nurse.

Finally, Eric Milor, of Blake Ward, had his case withdrawn by the prosecution as he was unfit to plead.

Mr Atkiss said the move was made with the express proviso that if any fresh evidence comes to light, the Crown Prosecution Service reserves its right to re-visit the application.