Man spat at and sexually assaulting Dorset ambulance worker

James Macky, 58, also subjected an ambulance crew to racist language before he urinated in their vehicle when it arrived at hospital, a court heard.

Macky was jailed for three years and two months by a judge at Bournemouth Crown Court, who said the incident was prolonged and there was degradation.

A female ambulance clinician from Dorset, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sexually assaulted by Macky after she and a fellow crew member responded to a 999 call to help him following a reported assault.

The defendant sexually assaulted the emergency worker in the back of an ambulance on the way to Poole Hospital.

On arrival at the hospital, he damaged the ambulance and urinated on life-saving equipment within the vehicle.

The ambulance was out of operation for 36 hours while it was deep-cleaned and repaired.

The female complainant, who works for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), said: “I do my job simply because I want to make a difference. I come to work each day to offer treatment, care, and comfort to those in greatest need.

“When I arrived for my shift, I did not expect to be spat at, sexually assaulted, and subjected to threatening behaviour, appalling racial remarks and misogynistic comments. This individual showed utter contempt towards me and my fellow crew members who were simply trying to do their jobs.

“Unfortunately, these incidents are becoming more prevalent, and no one should feel afraid to come to work. Luckily, I was wearing a body camera, which captured the assault and the footage was used as evidence.

“I would like to thank my senior officers for their support and commitment to me during this difficult time.”

Macky, of St George’s Warf, Vauxhall in London, previously admitted charges of sexual assault, criminal damage, racially aggravated fear or provocation of violence, racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress, intentional harassment alarm or distress, assault an emergency worker and breach of two suspended sentence orders.

The offending took place in June last year and the defendant was sentenced on Friday, March 24.

Representing the defendant in court, Pina Silvio said Macky, who previously worked as a chef, had been drinking and had no recollection of the events that day.

“He apologises to all those concerned and he is absolutely appalled by his abhorrent behaviour,” Mrs Silvio said.

Judge Robert Pawson referenced a psychiatric report which described the defendant as “disinhibited” and “belligerent”.

The judge said the defendant had a traumatic upbringing but added: “Once you become an adult and allowances have been made you need to take responsibility for your own behaviour.”

James Macky, 58 and of St George’s Wharf, Vauxhall (Image: Dorset Police)

He told Macky that he had sexually assaulted a woman who was trying to help him and despite the defendant’s criminal behaviour, she continued to perform her duty to provide care.

The defendant was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Alan Packwood, crime and violence reduction officer at SWASFT, said: “What happened to our female crew member is shocking and completely unacceptable. James Macky assaulted them while they were trying to help him.

“The criminal damage to the ambulance resulted in the vehicle being taken off the road, at a time when the service was already stretched.

“As an organisation, we will prosecute any individual who assaults or abuses one of our people while they are at work. Please help us to help you and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve”