Man jailed for assaulting hospital staff in cubicle where a baby was being treated

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 15:33

By Central Radio News

A man who assaulted two nurses and a paramedic as he caused chaos in a hospital ward near to where a seriously ill baby was being treated, has been jailed.

Andrew Phillips (pictured) went to Blackpool Victoria Hospital as a patient on 28th January this year and was believed to have taken cocaine while there.

When he was taken into the resus department, Phillips became aggressive towards staff and tried to enter areas where other patients were being treated.

He was warned by staff not to go into a cubicle where an unwell 11-month-old baby was receiving care.

But Phillips barged past a paramedic and nurse to enter the cubicle, picked up a chair and threw it out of the cubicle, before falling into and pulling at the IV cable and oxygen tube which were attached to the baby.

As the paramedic and two nurses tried to disconnect the tubes and get the baby to safety, Phillips pulled the arm of one of the nurses, causing a fracture to her arm and wrist.

Phillips punched and kicked out at other staff, with another nurse suffering a bruised ankle.

Thankfully, the baby was unharmed by Phillips’ actions.

Phillips, 26, of Grange Road, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault causing actual bodily harm and affray

At Preston Crown Court, he was given an extended sentence totalling 54 months.

Detective Constable Alexa Taylor of Blackpool CID, said: “I welcome the prison sentence imposed on Andrew Phillips.

“I hope the sentence sends a clear message that the police and courts will not tolerate disturbances on hospital grounds and attacks on our colleagues within the NHS.

“Hospitals, NHS staff and paramedics provide care to the sick, injured and vulnerable, and should not be assaulted or put at risk while they are working.”