Vandal Who Let Down Ambulance Tyres Walked Free From Court
By Denna Bowman
A drunken yob who vandalised an ambulance, letting down tyres and hurling stones at the bonnet while the paramedic was treating a two-year-old child, walked free from court yesterday.
Christian Tyldesley pleaded guilty to criminal damage, but said he vented his anger on the ambulance because he blamed paramedics for the death of his mother two weeks earlier.
Bolton Magistrates Court heard that the 21-year-old, who had been drinking, deflated the rapid response units tyres with his finger nails, threw stones at the bonnet and spat on the windows, while the paramedic was tended a toddler for burns.
The paramedic was forced to call for another vehicle to take the child to hospital.
Tyldesley, who has no previous convictions, told the court: “I did not know what I was doing at the time. I know it is sick and outrageous.
“I am very disappointed in myself and I am sorry for what I have done.”
He said he was reacting to the death of his mother, who passed away two weeks before the incident Tyldesley found his alcoholic mother struggling to breathe, and called an ambulance.
But she died before paramedics arrived, and he blamed them for her death.
He pleaded guilty to causing £300 worth of criminal damage and was sentenced to 220 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £300 compensation to the ambulance service.
After the hearing, Tyldesley told reporters: “I am sorry to the paramedics and my family and anyone else this could have affected.
“I realise I could have killed someone by messing about with the ambulance. I am not a bad person and I have learned my lesson and will do my punishment.”
Ged Blezard, North West Ambulance Service head of service for Greater Manchester, said: “The Trust welcomes the sentence. It is shocking that anyone could vandalise an ambulance whilst the emergency crew is treating a sick patient.”
Number: Z8037079
Reg: NKF419
