Drunken rant at hospital staff after being discharged

Jun 10 2009 Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A PATIENT who caused a drunken disturbance at Monklands Hospital in protest at having been discharged earlier that day escaped a prison sentence.

James Gourie McCulloch was instead placed on two years’ probation for his behaviour in the accident and emergency department on May 1.

However, he received a stern warning from Sheriff Robert Dickson, who said: “Normally, people who create a disturbance at the hospital face a substantial period in custody.

“We have to ensure that people who are genuinely ill can be dealt with and that the people who work there can do so.

“I appreciate that you were unwell but that doesn’t excuse your behaviour; on probation you can get assistance from the social work department to deal with your alcohol problem and get this sorted out.”

Airdrie Sheriff Court heard that McCulloch had spent a week in ward 14 of the Monkscourt Avenue hospital for treatment to a head wound and a detox period after suffering alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

The Depute Fiscal said: “He was discharged on May 1 but indicated to staff that he wanted to stay until May 5; he was told that couldn’t happen and that there was no medical reason to remain.

“On his release he began drinking again, and that evening returned to accident and emergency at the hospital.

“He presented to staff as having kidney problems but the doctor believed that he was acting and not in pain.

“The accused threw himself to the floor, shouting and screaming – other patients were around and were distressed by his behaviour.

“He continued in this vain while waiting for police, was asked to leave and refused, and then left with police as staff were confident that his condition was fit to go.

“The accused remained outside and was asked to leave the grounds but refused to do so, shouted and swore at police and was arrested.”

McCulloch, of Rowan Road in Cumbernauld, pleaded guilty to behaving in a disorderly manner, shouting, swearing and causing a breach of the peace – all while on bail.

However, solicitor Ross Brown described the sequence of events as “a very sad case” and noted that he had “considerable sympathy” for the 48-year-old.

The defence agent said: “There’s no doubt he has difficulties but he can also be quite charming and otherwise we have a decent individual who has come to the court’s attention at a relatively mature age.

“He genuinely needed medical assistance, and the good nurses and doctors at Monklands Hospital gave him that and told him he was fit to leave.

“Mr McCulloch got rather used to the good attention he was getting and was reluctant to return tome to what is quite a lonely existence.

“He thought the only way to receive assistance was to create a fuss in a very childlike manner, but the medics and police, particularly the doctor, realised him to be a decent indivudal and gave him many chances to leave.

“Furthermore, he became ill and was in Monklands from May 23-29, and the hospital was quite happy to have him and administer treatment.

“I’ve advised him of your views on people who misbehave at the hospital and your sentencing might, but I’m at pains to point out the circumstances.

“He requires assistance and has certain areas of his life which he has to be supported with; he has been discussing the problem with his GP and goes to see a counsellor.”