Worcestershire Royal Hospital doctor racially abused by patient

Sam Gleadall, of Astwood Road, Worcester, avoided jail and was fined adding to more than £1,000 he already owes from past offences. 

Lauren Millichip, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said on July 27 last year Gleadall was at the hospital and a cannula was being inserted in his arm. 

After some difficulty with Gleadall moving his arm when told not to, the defendant became agitated and then abused Dr Bajinder Singh who came over to assist. 

ABUSE: Sam Gleadall racially abused a doctor (Image: West Mercia Police)

The abuse included racist comments and swearing, before Gleadall lashed out at the doctor. 

Despite Gleadall being warned his treatment would cease if he didn't stop, the defendant carried on. 

"He continued to be abusive," Miss Milichip said. 

"At this point he was refused treatment. Security guards were called to assist. 

"He was escorted away, and police were called."

The prosecutor said overall the incident lasted around 20 minutes and the doctor feared for his safety as well as his colleagues and other patients. 

Miss Milichip added Gleadall had a criminal record which included nine offences against a person, and was in breach of a suspended sentence - given to him for stealing - by committing the offence. 

Gleadall, who admitted racially/religiously aggravated common assault/beating, was defended by Sarah Brady.

She said Gleadall told police he couldn't remember what happened but didn't challenge anything he was told in interview.

A&E: Gleadall racially abused a doctor in A&E (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"He didn't think the doctor would make it up," Mrs Brady said. 

The solicitor said Gleadall had been homeless and was taken to A&E because he had a bleeding head wound.

Mrs Brady said bodyworn footage recorded at the time showed Gleadall was confused about why he was in hospital, asking staff why he even needed treatment. 

"He was having an extremely difficult time in his life," Mrs Brady said. 

"His mental health had deteriorated. He has long-term drug issues."

COURT: Sam Gleadall appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

She told the court since the offence Gleadall had made "real progress" working with probation and was on medication for a psychotic illness he had recently been diagnosed with.

Mrs Brady urged magistrates not to activate the suspended sentence saying it would an "absolute disaster" setting him back. 

After lengthy deliberations, chairperson of the magistrates bench, Dr Carys Clarke, told Gleadall due to his progress they felt it would be "unjust" to send him to prison. 

Gleadall was fined £125 and was told to pay the doctor £50 compensation. 

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £100 for breaching his order. 

The £360 total was added to the £1,200 he already owes, being deducted from his benefits.

The case was heard on Thursday, (February 1).