Man who fractured NHS worker’s cheekbone jailed and banned from five hospitals

A man has been jailed for assaulting a member of NHS staff at Salford Royal Infirmary in March 2020. 

Daniel Shevlin, was sentenced today at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court via video link for two years. 

The verdict came after Shevlin threw one punch at the NHS worker, a man in his 50s, while in the waiting area of the hospital on the afternoon of Sunday 29 March 2020 – he attended A&E after claiming to have had a drug overdose.

The court heard Shevlin became agitated after being told there was no juice available and then assaulted and fractured the cheekbone of the NHS staff member. 

After he punched the man, Shevlin reportedly sat down and shouted abuse at another NHS worker who challenged his behaviour. 

The 27 year old was remanded by security and officers quickly arrested him on suspicion of section 20 assault. 

Detective Inspector Thomas Willis, of GMP’s Salford district, said: “This was an abhorrent and shocking assault that has absolutely no place in our society – especially at a time when we have a collective duty to protect our essential NHS workers.

“While today’s verdict makes it abundantly clear that an assault on any person is unacceptable, I hope that the scant minority who think they can show such gross disrespect and attack those on the frontline of our emergency services recognise justice will be served.

“As Shevlin spends his time behind bars reflecting on his actions, the victim has already returned to the frontline to help save lives which is testament to the incredible work that is being done by our emergency workers at this difficult time.”

According to the Manchester Evening News, Shevlin was also given a restraining order for five years banning him from visiting Salford Royal Hospital, North Manchester General Hospital, the Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Infirmary and Fairfield Hospital.

However, the judge said the order is void if there is a situation which Shevlin ‘reasonably believes threatens his life’, or if he has an urgent appointment.