A WEST Cumberland Hospital crisis worker “feared for her life” when a patient turned aggressive.

John Ian Pullin, 32, was admitted to the accident and emergency department at 3.10am on November 12.

Pullin was seen and assessed by the female crisis practitioner and, Carlisle Crown Court heard, everything was fine and they held a normal conversation.

He described being homeless and said he needed somewhere safe to live.

“She told Mr Pullin he would not be admitted to a mental health hospital as he was not a risk to himself or other people,” said prosecutor Gerard Rogerson.

“His demeanour completely changed.”

Pullin jumped off a bed and took hold of a bed sheet which he wrapped around his hands.

He walked towards the practitioner, saying: “I’m going nowhere.”

“That was shouted aggressively. His teeth were gritted at the time,” said Mr Rogerson. “She said she feared for her safety and her life.

“She was scared she was going to be assaulted and was afraid violence was going to be used against her.

“In all the years doing her job she has never been as scared as she was then.

“She told him she was afraid. That had no effect.”

After she left the room, Pullin began kicking the door behind her.

Pullin continued being aggressive when police arrived. When told he would be locked up for the night, his manner “improved markedly”.

He later admitted assaulting an emergency worker.

After reading a risk management report and noting past bad behaviour, Judge Peter Davies opted to defer passing sentence until February.

Judge Davies remanded Pullin in custody, and said he would decide on a punishment based on the defendant’s behaviour in the meantime.

“If I get a good report about you, I am going to give you a community order rather than a longer custodial sentence. I hope I am not being too optimistic,” said Judge Davies.

Pullin replied: “I’ll try my best.”