A MAN who ran through the corridors of Ayr Hospital, pushing hospital equipment into the paths of police who chased after him, has been jailed.

Ronald Tierney pleaded guilty to behaving aggressively at the hospital on December 14, where he shouted, swore, threatened and struggled violently with constables having been granted bail in November.

He also admitted assaulting a constable by striking her on the body with a handcuff and attempting to bite another on the body.

Tierney appeared before Sheriff John Montgomery last Tuesday, April 19 who heard the accused had previously appeared at court in December last year and remanded in custody.

He was arrested and taken to Ayr Police Office where he appeared to become drowsy and was taken to hospital around 8pm.

Tierney became aggressive, started to get out of the bed and demanding to see a doctor. He was instructed to get back into his cubicle but ran off.

Officers ran after him but Tierney slammed doors behind him and pushed a medicine trolley shouting, 'touch me and I'll break you f***ing bones. 

The accused continued to shout and swear and was handcuffed but complained he had been hurt in the process. His handcuffs were removed but Tierney hit one cop with it before attempting to bite the other.

Speaking on his behalf defence solicitor Tony Currie, said: "There are circumstances and background information on this matter and it is becoming apparent that these issues change in day to day life.

"He has mental health issues, as he was diagnosed with PTSD and is now receiving medication for that. He feels he has made good progress for that and seems to have brought some stability.

"Now he has had a period of reflection, he hopes he can get help. He had been in custody for matters spoken about in the report which reflects his record. He had a smart lock knife."

Tierney admitted to having a knife on him on Ayr's Sandgate and at Ayr Police Station after officers lifted him.

Defence solicitor Currie continued: "He had been under the influence of substances when police found him but accepts full responsibility for what he has done.

"He has spent some time in hospital for one reason or another and has respect for them.

"He apologies for this behaviour towards police and recognises that his behaviour will be dealt with and that his behaviour does feature throughout his record.

"He is worldly wise and sensible enough to realise these matters can send him to prison."

Sheriff Montgomery responded: "I have come to the conclusion that the only way to deal with you is by a custodial sentence. It is a serious charge - running through the hospital, making staff and patients frightened."

Montgomery sentenced Tierney to 21 months imprisonment.