Threat to kill a gynaecologist in Limerick maternity hospital an ‘unwarranted attack’ - judge

A JUDGE said a man threatening to kill a gynaecologist in a maternity hospital was “an unwarranted attack on an essential service and those providing it”.

Judge Colin Daly passed sentence this Monday on Nathan Murphy, aged 33, of Belfield Court, Farranshone, Limerick city for a threat to kill in the University Maternity Hospital Limerick on September 22, 2019.

The accused “bizarrely” thought the doctor had molested his then partner who was pregnant with twins, Limerick Circuit Court heard last week, when the evidence was outlined by prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe.

“I will find you and I will kill you,” said Mr Murphy to the gynaecologist.  A female consultant and a nurse, who were also present, were “pinned against a wall” by the defendant who was holding a chair in the air.

Mr O’Sullivan said the doctor had informed Mr Murphy’s former girlfriend of the plan to carry out an internal examination with the attendance of a midwife. 

“Later, the doctor was informed her partner (Mr Murphy) had arrived and was waiting in a room. Security had been alerted. Mr Murphy appeared to be leaning on a chair.

“He wanted to know who examined his then partner. He picked up a chair as if to strike the doctor with it. They were pinned against the wall. The consultant said put it down. Mr Murphy said to the doctor, ‘I will find you and I will kill you’. He said this three times,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Mr Murphy was later arrested by gardai. 

“He told investigating officers that his then partner had walked to his house and was in floods of tears when she arrived. He bizarrely thought she had been molested. He said he ‘didn’t mean the threats’. He said, ‘It’s just something we say where I am from’. He said he went back to apologise but was stopped by security,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Judge Daly adjourned sentencing for a week to consider his decision. On Monday, the judge said the maternity hospital in Limerick is extremely busy and the most essential service to all expectant women in the region. 

“The staff must be pressured and stressed enough without having to be faced with such aggression and such threats to their personal safety. The staff, no doubt, diligently go about their business in a completely professional manner. Threats and aggressive behaviour such as this are completely unwarranted,” said Judge Daly.

READ MORE: ‘I will kill you’: Limerick man tells gynaecologist after examination on woman

In mitigation, the judge said Mr Murphy co-operated with gardai, pleaded guilty at a very early stage, expressed genuine remorse and regret and was suffering from addiction issues at the time. Judge Daly said Mr Murphy sought residential treatment, maintained his sobriety for more than three years and volunteers with addiction services now, to assist others in their journey through rehabilitation. 

The judge also took into account that Mr Murphy is now the sole custodian of his three children. 

Judge Daly imposed a three year jail sentence which he suspended in full.