Blackpool man jailed for assaults on hospital staff
Andrew Burrows was jailed for a total of three-and-a-half years and made subject of restraining orders
A man who violently assaulted NHS staff while being treated at Blackpool Victoria Hospital has been jailed for three and a half years.
Andrew Burrows, 26, formerly of Clifton Drive, Blackpool, and now of no fixed address, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Monday for sentencing after admitting a string of violent offences.
On the afternoon of 19th April, while being treated in the A&E department, Burrows became aggressive after a nurse tried to take away pills he had emptied onto a bed. He hit the nurse in the face before punching a hospital security officer who had been called to help. The officer suffered injuries to his eye socket and nose.
At the time of the hospital attack, Burrows was already on bail for a separate incident at an address on Tudor Place, Blackpool, in which he assaulted three women following an argument over a lost mobile phone. All three victims required hospital treatment.
Burrows pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault of an emergency worker, assault causing actual bodily harm, and assault by beating. He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison and made subject to restraining orders protecting the three victims from the Tudor Place assaults.
Det Con Rick Nicol of Blackpool CID said: “Andrew Burrows’ behaviour towards NHS staff was nothing short of appalling. They should never have to be subjected to such violence when treating patients whom they are caring for.
“In the earlier incident, Burrows subjected his victims to an excessive, violent and prolonged attack. This resulted in their hospital treatment for injuries sustained. The victims of this case have suffered a great deal of distress, fear and trauma in relation to the assaults.
“His offending is of serious concern, and I hope that the custodial sentence he received offers the victims some reassurance and comfort whilst they recover.”