A patient in Northumberland is accused of punching a paramedic and attempting to bite ambulance support workers while being treated for head injuries. Paul Mason, 62, of Juliet Street in Ashington, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court this week, pleading not guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and one count of common assault.
Details of the Incident
The alleged assault occurred on New Year's Day after ambulance crews responded to a report of a man with a head injury in Ashington. According to prosecutor Sandra Fife, Mason became aggressive while at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington. He is said to have punched a paramedic in the stomach and tried to kick and bite an ambulance support worker.
Furthermore, when a security guard attempted to remove Mason from the hospital, the guard fell over. As the guard helped him back up, Mason allegedly tried to bite his hand.
Court Proceedings
Defense lawyer Graham Crouth stated that Mason does not accept punching or attempting to bite anyone. Magistrates accepted jurisdiction, and the case has been scheduled for trial at the same court on September 15. Mason was released on unconditional bail pending the trial.
The court continues to handle cases of assaults on emergency workers, which are treated with seriousness due to the risks faced by those in emergency services.
