Prison sentence welcomed
Thursday, 04 February, 2010
North West Ambulance Service has welcomed a six-month prison sentence given to a 34 year old man after he attacked an ambulance crew. Michael John Williams of no fixed abode was sentenced in Barrow Magistrates Court last month after indecently touching two female paramedics who were called to help him at the weekend. He was also forced to sign the sex offenders register for seven years.
On the morning of Saturday 9th January, an ambulance was called to an address in Barrow, Cumbria, to assist Williams who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and had reportedly taken ill. The ambulance crew took him to A & E. By the time they had reached the hospital he had indecently touched both women and had made lewd comments.
Director of Emergency Services for North West Ambulance Service, Derek Cartwright, said: "If an assault occurs, NWAS will always fully support the staff members involved and encourage them to report the incident to the police to ensure appropriate action is taken against the perpetrator.
"The behaviour of this individual is sickening and totally unacceptable. We fully welcome this sentence and hope it sends out a very clear message to anyone who assaults our crews, either verbally or physically, that they face the possibility of prosecution.
"We go to great lengths to ensure our staff can treat patients in an environment that is safe and secure. The protection of our staff is a priority of ours and we will continue to work on a number of campaigns and initiatives designed to keep them safe."
