Teenager charged with assaulting nurse at Tullamore Hospital

A teenager was charged with assaulting a nurse in Tullamore Hospital during last week's sitting of Tullamore District Court.

Liam Scully, 18, Arden View, Tullamore, was charged with committing the offence on October 18, 2022, in the Emergency Department of Midlands Regional Hospital, when he 'assaulted' the nurse 'causing her harm'.

He was also before the court for being intoxicated in public during two other occasions, the first on Store Street, Tullamore on September 27, 2022; the second on Clara Road ,Tullamore, on March 27, 2023.

Sergeant Richard Thornton told the court that Mr Scully tried to leave the Emergency Department and when the nurse tried to stop him from doing so, he pushed her to one side against a door and walked out of the hospital.

The woman received bruising to her back because of the incident. Regarding the intoxication in public offences Sgt Thornton said the defendant was “highly intoxicated.”

The defending solicitor Patrick Martin said a Probation Report about the defendant was before the court.

“My client has been battling with underlying mental health and alcohol issues for a number of years,” he remarked.

“There wasn't any ill-intent when he pushed the nurse. He just wanted to get out of the hospital. He is no longer drinking.”

“Everyone is entitled to go to work without being assaulted,” commented Judge Andrew Cody. “I look upon this as a serious matter.”

The Judge adjourned the case to June, for an updated Probation Report, which will outline the treatment the defendant is receiving for alcohol addiction.