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Edinburgh Patient Assaults Nurse at Royal Infirmary
A 41-year-old man has pleaded guilty to assaulting a nurse at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh following an incident on October 16, 2025. James Stewart was brought to the hospital after sustaining a head injury from a fall.
The incident occurred around 6pm, when Stewart, reportedly unwilling to go to hospital, required police intervention to accompany the ambulance to the Royal Infirmary. Once there, he attempted to flee while paramedics communicated with hospital staff in the triage area. Stewart then spat in the face of a female nurse who was assisting him before being apprehended by police.
Stewart appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on October 27, where he entered a guilty plea for the assault. During the proceedings, his solicitor highlighted that he had been significantly intoxicated at the time of the incident and had little recollection due to his head injury. The court heard that Stewart acknowledged the necessity of his treatment and expressed “genuine remorse” for his actions, admitting he was “not proud of himself.”
Additionally, it was mentioned that Stewart has struggled with alcohol addiction and has faced considerable challenges throughout his life.
Sheriff Kenneth Campbell QC condemned the act as a “disgusting offence” towards a healthcare professional, and has deferred sentencing pending the preparation of criminal justice social work reports.
