A woman who launched a “disgusting” drunken attack on Ninewells Hospital staff as they attempted to treat her has been told by a sheriff she faces jail.
Tracy Balfour spat and lashed out after she was admitted to the hospital’s accident and emergency department last summer.
The 42-year-old was eventually restrained by police officers, who had to place a spit hood over her head before she was arrested.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard that Balfour, who was under the influence of alcohol, was brought by ambulance to the hospital at around 2am.
She lashed out with her arms and legs and shouted, swore and spat at staff, who called security and then the police.
Balfour, Kinbrae Park, Newport-on-Tay admitted one charge of assault and a charge of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner at Ninewells Hospital on July 1.
Larry Flynn, defending, said: “She is dealing with addiction treatment services on a weekly basis.
“She clearly has issues with alcohol.”
Sheriff Elizabeth Munro told Balfour: “I am not prepared to put up with this. The particularly nasty part is the spitting.
“This is disgusting behaviour on your part, these people were trying to help you.
“I would’ve thought putting a spit mask on might have shamed you.
“A custodial sentence is usually uppermost in a sheriff’s mind in cases like this, but you have your problems, I accept that.”
Sentence was deferred until February 10 and Balfour’s bail was continued