A 56-year-old man who assaulted three members of staff at Dunfermline’s Lynebank Hospital has been sentenced.

Robert Thomson was a patient at the hospital at the time.

Thomson, of Lintburn Street, Galashiels, appeared back in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court having previously admitted a series of offences.

On August 10, 2021 at the Daleview Ward, he assaulted a female care support worker in the course of employment by spitting on her face.

He also shouted, swore, made threats of violence and threatened to rape staff there.

On September 26, 2021 at Lynebank Hospital, he shouted, swore, acted aggressively and made threatening remarks.

He assaulted a female member of staff by kicking her on the leg to her injury.

On December 21, 2021 at Lynebank Hospital he assaulted another female staff member by pressing his nails into her finger to her injury.

The court was told Thomson had been accompanied to court by workers from the residential facility where he has lived for the past six years.

Defence solicitor Mark Harrower said his client had spent nine months at Lynebank and that “he’s a lot calmer now”.

Sheriff Susan Duff told Thomson: “Healthcare professionals should be able to go to work without the fear of being assaulted.”

She fined Thomson £640 and also ordered him to pay £200 compensation each to the three victims.