West Midlands Ambulance Service is welcoming the custodial sentence that a court handed down to a man who head-butted a paramedic leaving him unconscious.

The cowardly attack happened at about 11.45pm on Sunday evening, whilst Paramedic Neil Vann was part of a crew trying to treat a patient at a house in Nuneaton.

On Tuesday, 33-year-old David Neal was sentenced to six months in prison at Warwick Magistrates Court. Mr Vann said:

“I have been doing this job for 30 years and I love it. I do it to help people but now I feel like I have to watch over my shoulder, this is unfair on me and the patient as they can’t have my full attention. 

"I had the shakes and don’t want to feel like I need to be concerned all the time but it’s always going to be there at the back of my mind. I am pleased it’s a custodial sentence and maybe people will think twice before assaulting us.”

Mr Vann has been off work since the attack due to the injuries sustained. He went back to work last night for the first time. Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, added:

“This was an abhorrent attack on a member of staff who was simply trying to help a patient in their hour of need. It is never ok to assault our staff. 

“I am delighted that on this occasion, the Magistrate has shown that such action will not be tolerated and handed down a custodial sentence. The public find these attacks unacceptable so it right that the courts take a firm line.

“This is just the sort of action we need on a far more regular basis by the Courts so that people understand that attacking our staff is not acceptable. Providing protection for our staff is a must and this type of sentence helps to do that.”

Neal was sentenced to a six-month prison sentence for the assault and told to pay £600 in compensation.