Ipswich woman must pay compensation for spitting at paramedic

Mother-of-two Louise Stalley, of Byron Road, pleaded guilty at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court to common assault.

Prosecutor Colette Harper said the incident began at 2.20am on November 29 when paramedic Andrea Hewitt and a colleague were called to Hawk Express taxis in Old Foundry Road.

Stalley had been sick in a taxi and had an epileptic fit.

The paramedic wanted the defendant to go to hospital but Stalley did not want to go.

The 34-year-old was asked if her husband was at home, but was told if he was not she would have to be checked over at hospital.

Stalley started to become abusive and wanted to go to hospital.

However, magistrates were told on the way she changed her mind and asked the ambulance driver to take her home.

After being told she was becoming difficult Stalley began swearing at Ms Hewitt. The abuse continued throughout the journey.

When they arrived in Byron Road the paramedics tried to ensure she got inside safe and well.

Mrs Harper said Stalley was “messing about outside the property” and police were called.

Stalley then spat at Ms Hewitt on more than one occasion aiming towards her face, the court heard.

The paramedic pushed her away, but Stalley kept spitting and continued to be abusive.

Shelley Drew, representing Stalley, described what happened as an “extremely unpleasant incident and not something Mrs Stalley is proud about”.

Magistrates were told Stalley had limited recall about the incident due to the epileptic fit.

However, Mrs Drew said Stalley had consumed some alcohol at a family party, but not a lot due to her illness.

Stalley claimed there had been an exchange of abuse between her and the paramedic.

Mrs Drew said her client was ashamed and remorseful.

Magistrates gave Stalley a 12-month conditional discharge, but ordered her to pay compensation to Ms Hewitt.

She must also pay £15 to the victims’ fund and a £150 criminal courts charge.