Man jailed for 'distressing' attack on doctor in Hampshire hospital during Covid-19 crisis

Lee Welke, of Pen Y Cae, Resolven, Neath Port Talbot, south Wales, pleaded guilty at Southampton Magistrates' Court to assaulting an emergency worker and was sentenced to 56 days in prison and ordered to pay a £122 victim surcharge.

The attack happened at the emergency department of University Hospital Southampton on April 4.

A hospital spokesman said: ‘We are pleased a custodial sentence was served on this individual who assaulted staff members and caused much disruption.

‘Not only is this behaviour extremely unpleasant and distressing, it causes an unnecessary distraction for staff who are already working so hard for patients without the added complication these acts bring.

‘We will seek every opportunity for redress through to prosecution for anyone who assaults our staff and offenders will be reported to the police on every occasion.’

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