Patient who threw bricks at paramedics and smashed ambulance avoids jail

A patient who threw bricks at paramedics and smashed an ambulance has avoided a prison sentence.

Seiitbek Erkin Uulu attacked the medical crew after it came to his assistance last summer at a housing estate in Rotherhithe, East London.

Paramedics Harvey Jenkins and  Tom Pursey were both about to drive off when Uulu jumped on the bonnet and kicked his leg through the windscreen.

Harvey, 25, said: ‘He was punching and stamping on the windscreen until he got his foot through it. We were in disbelief and got into the back of the ambulance to get away.

‘It felt like a horror film as it went quiet but then suddenly he was punching the windows and throwing bricks and concrete trying to hit us. The attack just went on and on.

‘We didn’t know whether to go out and tackle him or stay in the ambulance – we just felt trapped.’

Despite being covered in glass shards, the pair managed to escape unharmed.

The young emergency medical technician added: ‘These things happen and I suppose it just makes you more vigilant but it doesn’t take away from everything I love about the job.’

Uulu, who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol, tried to flee the scene but was cornered by police shortly afterwards.

He later pleaded guilty to assault of an emergency worker, criminal damage to property and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

Following a hearing at Croydon Magistrates Court, Uulu was ordered to abstain from alcohol for four months and complete 150 hours of community service.

He was also handed a £114 fine for his actions.

Chief Paramedic Pauline Cranmer said: ‘This was a deeply disturbing and sustained attack on an ambulance crew who were simply trying to help.

‘The level of violence meant an ambulance needed to be taken off the road for repair.

‘Fortunately attacks like this are rare but when they happen we will work with the police and the courts to push for justice.

‘Attacks on ambulance workers are increasing and sentences should reflect the impact crimes like this have – not just on our crews but the impact on our patients if our ambulances and crews are taken off the road.’

Violence towards ambulance staff has been on the rise in recent years, London Ambulance Service has warned, with attacks and abuse towards medical crews up 11.3 per cent in 2024 from 2023.

All London ambulances are equipped with both internal and external cameras as well as panic buttons and vehicle trackers so police can reach crews if they are in danger.

Last year a total of 2337 incidents were reported of either verbal and physical abuse towards staff – around seven each day.

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