Drunken dad set off hospital alarm

Malcolm Watts set bells ringing around the hospital corridors when he thought the alarm box was an exit button and put his fist through it, Droitwich magistrates heard yesterday.

John Barnett, prosecuting, said the 48-year-old verbally abused nurses and patients before punching the alarm and bringing fire crews racing to the scene in the early hours.

Watts swore at nurses and patients as he waited for someone to look at a cut on his arm - sustained when he fell down the stairs after bingeing on spirits including vodka and orange.

He admitted using abusive words and threatening behaviour.

"He was messing about with his bandage causing the wound to open and blood to drip in the waiting area," said Mr Barnett. "He was again abusive to staff and patients.

"At 1.25am he returned to hospital dripping blood and was seen by staff there. His eyes were glazed and he smelt of liquor, the nurse thought he was drunk and patients thought he was well out of order.

"He was swearing and said if he wasn't seen soon he would do what he liked. He went to the desk, was verbally abusive and said he wasn't waiting any longer.

"The fire alarm sounded and glass had been smashed. The fire brigade had to attend to reset the alarm.

Mr Barnett said Watts, of Bath Road, Worcester, admitted he was heavily intoxicated, went to press the button to open the exit doors and activated the alarm in doing so.

Nick Roberts, defending, said Watts was "absolutely appalled" at what he had done.

"He is married with a wife and grown-up children," said Mr Roberts "Everyone is in shock this incident has taken place - it was totally out of character.

"It was down to alcohol consumption that day. He went to Tewkesbury hospital later to have his arm stitched because he was too embarrassed to go back."

Magistrates fined Watts £250 and ordered him to pay £227.50 compensation to the fire service and for the cost of the alarm, with £55 costs.