Man who assaulted A&E doctor during coronavirus pandemic has been jailed for eight weeks

A man who assaulted an A&E doctor at a hospital in Southsampton during the coronavirus pandemic has been jailed for eight weeks.

Lee Welke, 34, admitted attacking an emergency worker at the University Hospital Southampton on April 4, when he appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

He was sentenced to 56 days in prison and ordered to pay a £122 victim surcharge.

A spokesperson for the hospital said they are happy “a custodial sentence was served on this individual who assaulted staff members and caused much disruption”.

Thanking Hampshire Police for pursuing the case, the hospital said staff are already working so hard for patients “without the added complication these acts bring”, and pledged any assault on staff will be reported to the police on every occasion.