A NORTH Somerset woman has been fined after verbally abusing a paramedic who had come to help her.

Louise Baker, 47, of Long Ashton Road, was sentenced at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, December 5 for using threatening/abusive behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress to a South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) paramedic.

On June 16, Baker shouted homophobic slurs at the paramedic who had come to treat her for injuries she had sustained in Long Ashton.

Baker's behaviour towards the victim was described as aggressive and physically intimidating.

Baker was told to pay £100 in compensation and was fined £120. She also had to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and £85 in CPS costs. 

Police officers have said that this kind of behaviour is "unacceptable" and "will not be tolerated."

Meanwhile, the SWASFT has said that its staff members should be able to work without the fear of violence and that they are vital members of the community, who save lives "when minutes matter."

The organisation has thanked the police force and the court for their "quick response, investigation and charging" of Baker.

Officer on the case, PC Joe Reed, said: “Paramedics treating our communities should not have to face this kind of abuse, but unfortunately all too often, they do.

“Behaviour like this is appalling and unacceptable and it will not be tolerated.”

SWASFT’s Crime & Violence Reduction manager, Mike Jones, said: “The behaviour of this individual was totally unacceptable. Our people should be able to work without fear of violence or threats of any kind.

“Our people come to work each day to help others when minutes matter, and to be assaulted will never be tolerated.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners at Avon and Somerset Police and the North Somerset Magistrates’ Court for their quick response, investigation and charging of this individual.”