Woman handed suspended sentence for assaulting ambulance worker

A woman has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court for assaulting an ambulance worker.

Edel McLaughlin (43) of Drummard Close in Derry appeared in court charged with assaulting an ambulance worker on May 27 this year.

The incident took place after McLaughlin was found lying in the Guildhall Square. 

An ambulance was called and, as they were checking on her, McLaughlin woke up and became aggressive.

The court heard how McLaughlin grabbed the paramedic by the arms and tried to punch her but missed. 

The incident was caught on CCTV and McLaughlin was arrested while still walking around the area. 

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said his client has problems with alcohol but had been trying to get help recently. 

The court heard that McLaughlin had 98 previous convictions for similar offences, but there had not had any issues between April 2018 and August 2020.

District Judge Barney McElhom said this would have been 'a frightening experience' for the ambulance worker. 

He said ambulance staff worked in difficult circumstances for pay that was 'disgraceful'. 

He sentenced McLaughlin to four months in prison suspended for two years, and ordered her to pay the ambulance worker £500 in compensation.