A Montrose woman who abused ambulance staff was warned by a sheriff that it was a matter the court had “to take seriously”.
Kerry Fryer, of Condor Crescent, admitted that on August 16 last year at George Street, Montrose, she behaved in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause fear or alarm by shouting and swearing at ambulance staff, lashing out and knocking items over within an ambulance.
Depute fiscal Jim Eodonable told Forfar Sheriff Court that the 29-year-old’s behaviour meant the ambulance had to stop and police be contacted.
He said: “Ambulance staff were called to the locus in relation to concerns for the accused.
“She was put in the ambulance just before 1am and staff tried to deal with her.
“The accused became difficult and started shouting and swearing and saying ‘don’t come near me’.
“The decision was taken to stop the ambulance because of the level of behaviour coming from the accused.
“The staff contacted the police to ask for assistance and advice. Police advised the staff that they should vacate the vehicle.
“The two ambulance staff felt they had no option because of the accused’s behaviour.
“The police arrived a short time later and asked the lady to calm down and take the benefit of what was being offered to her. She was having none of it so she was arrested.”
Defence agent Nick Markowski said Miss Fryer could not recall the incident.
He said: “She was prescribed medication and the medical advice given was to avoid alcohol. This was not advice which was followed on this occasion.
“She had gone to a friend’s house and consumed alcohol and has no recollection of the incident whatsoever.”
Mr Markowski said Fryer had now been diagnosed as having a bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress .
He added: “She had a mental health issue which wasn’t diagnosed.
“She apologises to the court for her behaviour but she is now getting the help she needs.”
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio deferred sentence until May 5 when Fryer has another court matter calling.
He told Fryer: “This is a matter which the court has to take seriously because members of the emergency services have to be able to do their work without suffering unnecessary abuse and concern.
“Mr Markowski has outlined the difficulties you have suffered, so I’m doing to defer sentence until May 5 when the other matter is due to call.
“That will mean the court will be in a position to decide how to deal with both matters.”