Santon man Gareth Hargreaves has been convicted of threatening behaviour after a doctor had to restrain him at Noble’s Hospital.

Hargreaves, aged 38, of Ballaquiggin, admitted the offence as well as intent to cause immediate unlawful violence and will be sentenced on May 15 after a probation report has been prepared.

Prosecutor Barry Swain said police were called to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency department at about 2.40am on April 1.

Hargreaves was being restrained on a bed as he screamed and writhed around. He was bleeding from a head wound and was shouting abuse.

Police had to put him in handcuffs and leg restraints. Staff told officers that Hargreaves had swung a clenched fist at one female member of staff which resulted in a doctor having to restrain him.

Police had to spend four hours with Carter as they tried to subdue him while he continued to spout verbal abuse, including sexual inappropriate and homophobic comments while lashing out at hospital staff.

Staff told police they did not believe his behaviour was a result of his head injury and he was later deemed fit to be interviewed. During interview Hargreaves was said to have calmed and expressed genuine remorse and embarrassment for his behaviour.

Mr Swain said there was no suggestion of alcohol being involved and Hargreaves’ behaviour could not be explained.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500.