A WOMAN who used abusive language towards a nurse at Furness General Hospital has appeared in court.

Bethany Armstrong admitted she used abusive language towards the nurse at the A&E department waiting room on June 26 this year, South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Lee Dacre said the 29-year-old, of Hawke Street in Barrow, attended the hospital at 6:30 pm on June 26 this year over issues relating to her mental health.

However, Armstrong was denied an appointment when attempting to complete the check in process, the court was told.

Mr Dacre said the complainant told the defendant said she had to follow her mental health care plan that was in place - and therefore an appointment would not be necessary.

The court heard Armstrong then used expletive language on three occasions towards the nurse.

On July 31, Armstrong pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to section 5 Public Order Act 1986 offence – namely that she used threatening / abusive words / behaviour within the sight of a person  likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress.

Mr Dacre told the court the defendant had an antecedent record consisting of seven previous convictions for 18 offences – one of which related to the NHS.

Defence solicitor Trystan Roberts, representing Armstrong, said: “She has a history of mental health and was seeking help and assistance. She has never been sent or shown her mental health plan and she made that known to the nurse.

“She accepts her behaviour was not what it normally would have been. She is a young woman who is now in the process of moving to Lancashire for a fresh start.

“The offence puts her in breach of a previously imposed conditional discharge.

"She was having a crisis and laid down in front of a police car when being asked to move. She made the officers job more difficult at that period of time.

Magistrates fined Armstrong £80 for the Public Order Act offence at £60 for breaching the conditional discharge.

She was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £32 surcharge.