A WOMAN who subjected a nurse to foul-mouthed abuse and threats of violence at Inverclyde Royal Hospital is a former PARAMEDIC.

Drunken Jacqueline Smith, 35, turned on the woman after being rushed to accident and emergency in an ambulance on taking unwell at a Greenock restaurant.

Her lawyer, Gerry Keenan, said his client and former 999 worker was ‘thoroughly ashamed of herself’.

Mr Keenan added: “She herself was previously a paramedic and was subjected to the same kind of behaviour that she exhibited towards the nurse at the hospital.”

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how Smith suddenly ‘changed her demeanour’ and began swearing at the nurse and called her derogatory names shortly after 11pm last August 27.

Prosecutor John Penman said: “The accused had started choking in a restaurant and was taken to the hospital in the back of an ambulance.

“One staff nurse simply asked her to change into hospital attire and, for whatever reason, the accused took exception to this.

“She changed her demeanour and became abusive to the nurse, swearing at her and calling her a ‘cow’.

“The accused swore again in telling the nurse that she was going to kick her head in.”

Fiscal depute Mr Penman added: “She then stated to the nurse, ‘Who do you think you are?’

“She was taken to Greenock police office where she was charged and she remained in custody for two nights before appearing in court the following Monday.”

Defence solicitor Mr Keenan said that Smith’s previous occupation as an ambulance worker gives her ‘considerable insight into her behaviour, as well as remorse’.

Mr Keenan added: “She knows that she can’t excuse her behaviour, however, drink was a factor.

“She was substantially distressed at what had happened in the restaurant.

“She is on anti-psychotic medication and has a history of depression and post traumatic stress disorder.”

Sheriff David Hall ordered an electronic tagging order assessment and a report as to Smith’s fitness to carry out unpaid work.

The sheriff said: “This is a very serious matter. Your behaviour is not acceptable and your attitude towards the nurse was a disgrace.

“I have considerable concerns about you.”

Smith, whose address was not given in court, is due back in court on the matter on June 14.