A man who tried to strangle a doctor and nurse while being treated at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has been jailed.
Christopher Mortimer was being seen by a nurse at the hospital in Fulham Road, Chelsea, for a minor injury on August 7 when he carried out the attacks.
He was jailed for six weeks at Hammersmith Magistrates’ Court after admitting two counts of assault.
The court was told that while being treated, Mortimer, of Park Terrace in Peterborough, suddenly grabbed hold of the nurse and started to strangle her with his bare hands.
He was restrained by members of staff, but following the incident, he llunged at a doctor sitting at his desk, and used his hospital gown to strangle him. Again staff, restrained him and police were called.
He was arrested and charged with the assaults.
During his sentencing, the 60-year-old was also told to pay each of the victims £100 compensation and a court cost of £150.
Police Constable Sammi Elfituri from Kensington and Chelsea police said: “Doctors and nurses and those working in the medial professional are there to help people and save lives.
"They should be able to carry out their duties without fear of assault or injury.
“Both the doctor and the nurse were left shocked by this incident, but fortunately neither sustained any injuries.
"Even so, the police take matters like this very seriously and will put anyone who assaults members of staff in the medial profession before the courts and they will be expecting a custodial sentence.”
