Yahoo News Cramlington hospital patient kicked and smashed door after being told it wasn't appropriate to leave
A patient smashed a hospital door after being told it wasn't appropriate for her to leave.
Jade Robertson was being treated at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington, Northumberland, on May 30 this year.
Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard how the 33-year-old wanted to leave but was told that it was not considered medically appropriate for her to do so.
She responded by kicking a door inside the hospital, smashing the pane of glass within it.
Brian Payne, prosecuting, told magistrates: "The lady was in hospital for treatment. She wished to leave. It was not considered medically appropriate for her to leave. She took exception to that and, in the course of taking exception to that, kicked out at the door and caused the damage you have seen."
Mr Payne said the hospital had not provided the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with an estimate of how much the damaged door would cost to repair. He suggest to magistrates that £100 may be appropriate compensation.
He added: "She has a number of convictions recorded against her, it's a factor of her life."
Robertson, of Belsize Place, Walkergate, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to criminal damage.
Lewis Pearson, defending, told the court that Robertson had had a difficult childhood. He said he had represented her for many years and that most people who deal with her like her.
Mr Pearson said she has ADHD and doesn't drink very often but when she does she can't stop. He said she has a young daughter, who is still in her care, and she has been cooperating with social services.
He said: "She was taken to hospital, she can't remember. She was put in a room and locked in the room. That room was a locked room and she wanted out of that room. And, reacting in circumstances where someone is somewhat claustrophobic, she kicked the door."
Mr Pearson said that Robertson was in financial hardship but she does receive benefits and any compensation could be taken directly from her benefits.
Chair of the Bench, Nick Hooker, ordered Robertson to pay £150 in compensation to the hospital.
