Nurse jailed for butting patient

AN Oldham nurse has been jailed for 15 months after he was convicted of unlawfully wounding a 72-year-old patient.

David Hadfield (54) denied the offence at Preston Crown Court in October where he was cleared of another offence of wounding with intent.

The charge relates to an incident at the Royal Blackburn Hospital where Hadfield headbutted Thomas Bretherton, who had pancreatitis and was wearing breathing apparatus.

Simon Nichol, defending, said the only explanation his client could offer for this sole blemish on his 30 years in nursing was a problem in the relationship with his long-term partner.

Judge Simon Newell said Hadfield caused “harm and damage” to Mr Bretherton and “distress and upset for his family”.