A woman has escaped a prison sentence for a horror attack on two paramedics in Swindon.
At the South Western Ambulance Service (SWASFT) staff were attempting to treat 25-year-old Vanessa ‘Ness’ Blakey when she started throwing punches on 29 March last year.
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 2 February, the defendant, of Beaulieu Close, Toothill, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and assault by beating of an emergency worker.
Paramedic, Nick Brown was punched, knocked unconscious and left with a broken eye socket after he and student paramedic, Callum, responded to a 999 call to help her.
Blakey punched Nick in the head, resulting in him hitting the front of the Rapid Response Vehicle and then the ground, leaving him unconscious.
He was taken to hospital, where it was discovered he had a broken eye socket. Callum was also kicked during the incident and suffered broken ribs.
Blakey was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and suspended for two years. She was also ordered to pay £100 compensation and told the complete 30 rehabilitation activity days.
A charge of obstructing or resisting police officers PC William Owen and Lucy Grace in the execution of their duties was withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Paramedic Nick Brown said: “When I woke up on the floor, I couldn’t quite believe what had happened. Nobody should be frightened to do their job, especially in a caring profession. Anyone that assaults an emergency worker should be ashamed of themselves.
“Sadly, we are often verbally abused, but thankfully physical abuse is less common, though it still happens. Body-worn cameras go a long way to reduce that risk.
“I hope this shocking footage and successful prosecution sends out a strong message that any assault, physical or verbal, will not be tolerated.
“I’d like to recognise the support I have received from SWASFT, the police and the care I received at the Great Western Hospital in the days following the assault.
“I would also like to praise the actions of Callum. His rapid intervention and calm decision making, despite being injured himself, minimised the harm done.”
Mike Pavey, Crime and Violence Reduction Officer at SWASFT, said: “What happened to Nick and Callum is shocking and completely unacceptable. This was a vicious, unprovoked attack on a crew that was trying to help someone.
“The role of our people is tough – physically, mentally and emotionally – without the patients we are trying to help assaulting us. Please help us to help you, and treat us with the dignity and respect we deserve.”
