Wigan man jailed after hospital rampage

Wigan health chiefs have pledged to get tough on violent behaviour after a man was jailed for destroying hundreds of pounds worth of hospital equipment during a terrifying rampage across town.
Jamie EllisonJamie Ellison
Jamie Ellison

Jamie Ellison, of Scot Lane in Newtown, was jailed for two and a half years at a Bolton Crown Court hearing after being convicted of a slew of offences committed within hours of each other including threatening several people with a concrete slab at various addresses across town.

Judge Timothy Stead heard how on May 12, Ellison entered Wigan Infirmary and smashed up a monitor worth £500 before defecating in his cell after being apprehended by officers.

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Previously in the evening, the 28-year-old had broken into a home on Vine Street in Whelley, taking a handbag from the property before leaving, wiedling a concrete slab as a weapon.

Ellison, who has previously been described by a crown court judge as someone with an “unenviable” criminal record, then went on commit actual bodily harm, assaulting Wesley Gale. Continuing with his rampage, Ellison chose another victim, threatening to harm a woman to the point she feared for her safety.

The attack has sparked health directors to announce a crackdown on offenders.

Jason Carr, head of security at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust, said: “We take any risk to the safety of our patients, visitors and staff very seriously. As a trust we will liaise with the police if there is any wilful destruction or damage to trust property and if appropriate will follow this up with the police.”

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Ellison, who pleaded guilty to the destruction of NHS and police property at a hearing in Wigan Magistrates’ Court in May, was later found guilty of the other three offences following a trial.

Judge Stead sentenced him to 18 months in jail for the burglary, 12 months consecutively for assault and two months for destroying property to run concurrently, as well as two months for using threatening behaviour.