A VIOLENT drug user is today behind bars after attacking a hospital paramedic who was trying to help him.Steven Boyd, of Defoe Road, Ipswich, had taken five ecstasy pills and drunk brandy, vodka and beer before calling an ambulance on November 20.

A VIOLENT drug user is today behind bars after attacking a hospital paramedic who was trying to help him.

Steven Boyd, of Defoe Road, Ipswich, had taken five ecstasy pills and drunk brandy, vodka and beer before calling an ambulance on November 20.

He arrived at the accident and emergency department of Ipswich Hospital where he became aggressive and violent towards staff.

Appearing for sentencing at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court on Friday Boyd pleaded guilty to assault and a further charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour at an earlier hearing.

Prosecuting solicitor Lesla Small told the court Boyd assaulted the paramedic who had been called to help him.

She said he spat at hospital staff and had to be restrained.

She added: “In his statement the victim said 'He was shouting and swearing using every imaginable vulgar, verbal abuse.'

“Police were called and he had to be taken out of the hospital on a trolley. In interview he was unco-operative was unable to recall events.”

The attack went on for 25 minutes distressing other patients.

Boyd, who was unrepresented in court, did not apologise for the incident but told the court he suffered drink and drugs problems.

Addressing Boyd as he stood in the dock to receive his sentence, bench chairman Anne Parry said: “You have a severe drink and drug problem. We have a duty to protect the public and custody is our only option.”

Boyd was sentenced to 11 weeks in prison .