Man jailed for theft and assault at George Eliot Hospital

A man who stole a handbag from a member of staff at George Eliot Hospital has been jailed for 31 weeks.

Wayne Harvey, 32, went into the hospital's Accident and Emergency Department at around 5.40am Wednesday 25th March.

He stole a member of staff’s handbag from behind the reception and as he fled he bit a security guard who tried to stop him.

Police officers arrived a short time later to arrest him.

Harvey appeared at Coventry Magistrates’ Court, and pleaded guilty to theft and assaulting an emergency worker.

PC Nicola Cairns from the Prisoner Processing Team at Bedworth Police Station said: “These would have been despicable crimes at the best of times. However, given they were committed against hospital workers who are on the frontline in protecting people from the global pandemic makes it even worse.

“We take great pride in supporting our colleagues in the health service at this extremely challenging time and in ensuring hospitals are safe places to work and visit.”

David Eltringham, Managing Director of George Eliot Hospital said: “I am appalled by this crime against our hard-working staff who are giving their all on the front line during this time of national crisis. Our teams should be applauded for their contribution to protecting our community, not being made to suffer by offences such as this. We ask our staff to be vigilant at all times when on site and we give our full support to the police and courts in dealing with any crime against our workers.”