Woman who assaulted nurse at Tullamore Hospital had no memory of it

A woman who assaulted a nurse at Tullamore Hospital had no previous convictions Tullamore District Court heard last week.

At 8pm on November 21, 2021, Sandra Ward (43) 34 Churchview Heights, Edenderry was admitted to the Accident and Emergency unit of Tullamore Hospital where she assaulted Nurse Catherine Lally injuring her arm and causing it to bleed.

Nurse Lally was traumatised by the incident and required medical attention. Ms Ward was later arrested and made a detailed admission to Garda Clancy.

Solicitor Donal Farrelly said Sandra Ward was taking steroids and her body had a reaction to the medication resulting in a severe itch all over her body.

She also suffers from mental health issues, said Mr Farrelly. She handed in a letter to Judge Alec Gabbett outlining how she had no memory of what happened. Judge Gabbett said the key to this is a victim impact statement from Nurse Lally.

He directed a sum of €500 in compensation and adjourned the case to April 6 for a victim impact statement.