Cork woman with 'beyond chaotic' lifestyle threatened and abused hospital staff

Cork District Court heard she was also pleading guilty to a shoplifting offence

The incident happened at the A&E department of Cork University Hospital at 10pm on April 4. File picture: Larry Cummins

A 43-year-old Cork woman got aggressive with hospital staff dealing with a very busy A&E unit and insisted that she be seen immediately by a doctor.

Garda Ian Lester encountered Gillian Cullen, formerly of Elmvale Court, Wilton, Cork, and now of Elton Lawn, Bishopstown, Cork, at the A&E department of Cork University Hospital at 10pm on April 4.

Sergeant John Kelleher said at Cork District Court: “This followed a report that she was abusive to staff and refusing to leave the hospital. Garda Lester met Ms Cullen in the waiting area. She was shouting at a nurse and a security guard at the top of her voice and demanding to be seen by a doctor.

“The department was very busy with numerous patients, children and adults, awaiting treatment.

“She was told that she was not being treated as she was behaving in a threatening and abusive manner to staff members.

“She did not comply with the direction to leave the hospital and was arrested and taken to Togher garda station.” 

Ms Cullen pleaded guilty to being threatening and abusive and refusing a garda direction to leave the area.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said she was also pleading guilty to a shoplifting offence. On April 24 at Phelan’s pharmacy on Grande Parade she stole €32 worth of items.

“She is a 43-year-old single woman living with her mother in Wilton. She has background difficulties with her sister. 

She has an enormous amount of challenges in her life. She has a litany of extreme difficulties. Ms Cullen’s lifestyle is beyond chaotic. 

"There have been periods of sobriety but then events overwhelm her. She would again be willing to engage with the probation service,” Mr Buttimer said.

Judge Dorgan asked: “Is she prepared to stay out of areas like the A&E unless there are particular medical difficulties?” Mr Buttimer said she would comply with that condition. 

She also agreed to sign three days a week at Togher garda station, abstain from all medication except what is prescribed, stay off all intoxicants and stay out of Grand Parade. Ms Cullen was remanded on bail for sentencing on July 16 for preparation of a probation report.

She has 172 previous convictions, including 53 for theft, 24 for being threatening and abusive, and 23 for being intoxicated to the extent that she was a danger to herself or others.