Bobby Edward George: Man fined $750 for selfish outburst at Geraldton Regional Hospital in child’s presence

A man who became verbally abusive waiting for mental health assistance at a Geraldton hospital last week has been dealt a hefty $750 fine. Bobby Edward George, 39, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place or in sight or hearing of any person in a public place. He was also charged with two counts of breaching protective bail conditions, but following negotiations one count was discontinued and he pleaded guilty to one count. The court was told about 3pm on Wednesday, January 31, George was yelling and screaming inside the Geraldton Health Campus around members of the public who were waiting to be seen by a doctor, including a young child. Police prosecutor Sgt Paul Burkinshaw said staff made attempts to calm him down while he was yelling statements such as “I just want to f...... die”. Defence lawyer Prue Harrison said George “was really upset at the time”, (had) suicidal thoughts and was hoping to get help for his mental health” at the time of the outburst. On the same day, George had attended the address of a person who was protected from being in contact with him, but Ms Harrison said the breach was consensual. Magistrate Matthew Walton said there was an increasing focus on abuse and unacceptable behaviour inside hospitals and George had showed a “self-obsessed desire to be abusive”. He said while there were other people waiting for hospital assistance, George selfishly acted as if it was just him. “This behaviour in my respectful view… (is) quite simply juvenile behaviour from an adult that’s 39-years-old,” he said. He was fined $750. George spoke out on the video link after stating he wanted to say something. “I’d like to apologise for my actions at the hospital,” he said. George was remanded in custody to reappear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on February 19 for other unrelated matters. Lifeline 13 11 14