VIOLENCE against ambulance staff will not be tolerated was the warning this week after a Malvern man appeared in court for attacking the trainee paramedic sent to help him.

Tomasz Delgiado of Worcester Road admitted assaulting Liam Hurds, a student at the University of Worcester, last December.

Mr Hurds and another paramedic had been called to Delgiado's home by a housemate who feared he had taken an overdose. As they examined Delgiado, he hit Mr Hurds three times in the face.

West Midlands Ambulance Service Trust spokesman John Hawker said: “It is completely unacceptable that ambulance staff, who are responding to help people who have serious medical conditions or injuries, should have to face violence and verbal abuse.

“The Trust has a zero tolerance policy in place and works extremely hard to bring the full weight of the law to bear on anyone who attacks our staff.

“We have the highest rate, of any ambulance service in England, in getting convictions for those who attack our staff. Unfortunately, the West Midlands Region also has the second highest rate of assaults on staff in the country. Over 230 members of staff reported being either physically or verbally attacked in just six months.

“More than one member of ambulance staff is abused every single day, which is a shocking statistic. This shows the high levels of abuse that ambulance staff are having to put up with while trying to help people in their hour of need.”

At his court appearance, Delgiado, aged 40, admitted assaulting Mr Hurds. He said he had epilepsy and would black out during fits, then wake up terrified. He said this was what happened on this occasion, and he “deeply regretted” hitting Mr Hurds.

Deputy district judge David Miller said: “Somebody who punches people who serve the public – particularly paramedics and particularly in this case, when it was three punches described as hard punches to the face – can generally expect to go into prison. But the probation service can do a report on how best to sentence you first.”

Delgiado will reappear at Worcester Magistrates Court for sentencing on Friday, August 27.