A member of hospital staff was bitten by a patient who became aggressive after being brought to hospital to be treated for a drug overdose in a suicide attempt.
Tiarnan Walsh, 26, arrived at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff at around 6.30am on October 3 last year having been brought to the hospital by ambulance.
Staff were told he had taken an overdose of painkillers in an attempt on his own life and attempted to fit a cannula and take blood samples but Walsh became abusive and obstructive.
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A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday heard the defendant began "waving" his arms in the air and refused to let anyone touch him, saying: "F*** off and don't touch me" to anyone who approached him.
When nurse Stephen Jones grabbed hold of Walsh's arm the defendant bent downwards and bit him on the arm causing him a "great feeling of pain". Prosecutor Paul Hewitt said the assault left teeth marks and bruising and Mr Jones required testing for diseases but all tests came back as negative.
In a victim personal statement Mr Jones said: "I have never been assaulted or bitten previously so it was a shock. I have since thought about the incident and it has played on my mind. I have been more on guard when dealing with patients. I should not have to be assaulted in my place of work. I come to work to protect people's lives and to give them the medical attention they need."
Walsh, of White Rock Hotel, Tonypandy, later pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker. The court also heard he has previous convictions for arson, being drunk and disorderly, and a public order offence.
In mitigation Stephen Thomas agreed the incident was "unpleasant" but described his client as having significant mental health difficulties. He said Walsh was "disgusted" with his behaviour and regrets his actions but he is looking to rehabilitate is life and has received offers to study performing arts at the University of South Wales.
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Sentencing, Recorder IWL Jones said: "[Mr Jones] was just doing his job which he does day in, day out, helping people. In fact that day he was helping you from the time you arrived there by ambulance after making an attempt on your own life.
"You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself for what you did that day. He should not have to be at work suffering in this way while doing his job helping people and helping you that day."
Walsh was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and was ordered to carry out a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and to pay £300 in compensation.
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