Teenager jailed for ‘outrageous’ attack on nurse at top NI hospital

Calum Carruth received a four-month sentence for the attack which his own lawyer described as “outrageous”.

The 19-year-old pleaded guilty to assaulting the victim as she treated him at the Mater Hospital.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday that Carruth was admitted on March 6 with suspected self-harm wounds.

When the nurse became concerned and asked Carruth to move position on his bed he responded by telling her to “f*** off”.

Prosecution counsel said: “She attempted to move him, and he punched her in the stomach with his fist, causing instant pain.”

Carruth, with a hostel address at Centenary House on Victoria Street in the city, then swore at another member of staff who witnessed the assault.

Following his arrest by police the defendant claimed to have no memory of the incident.

A defence solicitor insisted Carruth now realised the seriousness of the offence.

He added that his client had now shown genuine remorse.

“His own mother works in the health and social care sector,” the lawyer said.

“He’s well aware how outrageous his behaviour has been on this occasion.”

District Judge George Conner was told Carruth has a history of drug abuse and also suffered from mental health problems.

Imposing four-months’ imprisonment, Mr Conner commented: “It’s a serious matter that justifies a custodial sentence.

“In the circumstances I have no alternative.”