THREE years ago Mick Bates sat on a committee that looked into better protecting NHS staff from violence and aggression – now he is accused of assaulting a paramedic on a drunken night out in Cardiff.
The beleaguered Montgomeryshire AM says he can remember nothing of the events that have seen him stripped of his front-bench responsibilities and investigated by police.
The paramedic – who says he is planning to press charges – says: “I was punched in the chest by an abusive Mr Bates outside a Cardiff restaurant last month”.
The paramedic, who does not want to be named, said he was part of an ambulance crew called to Charlestons Brasserie in Caroline Street, Cardiff, at around 2.30am on January 20.
He said the crew found 62-year-old Mr Bates had a minor head wound which it was said he sustained falling down the stairs while being ejected from the premises.
“When the ambulance got there, the male was very aggressive, verbally aggressive, lashing out with both of his arms, telling us to clear off,” he said.
“It was at that point we were approached by another male who said that the injured party was an AM who worked for the Welsh Assembly Government.
“We tried to assess the injuries on the gentleman, to which we had nothing but abuse.
“We continued to try to get the appropriate care for the gentleman as he had a minor head injury.
“We established that the gentleman wasn't knocked out at any point whatsoever by an independent witness.
“On trying to obtain observations on the gentleman, he’s grabbed out at a jacket, punched myself to the chest and grabbed my colleague’s wrists.
“We arrived at the hospital (the University of Wales Hospital) with him still swearing, being abusive and, again, in the hospital he had to be babysat in the centre of the resuscitation area by security due to his behaviour.”
A police officer was called into the ambulance to give Mr Bates a warning, but the AM was not arrested.
On Monday, Mr Bates issued a statement. “On the night in question I fell down some stairs,” he said.
“As a result of my fall I have no recollection of events thereafter, until I came round in the accident and emergency department of Cardiff’s Heath Hospital, when recovering.
“I am extremely grateful to the paramedics and hospital staff who gave their care and attention, I do not underestimate the fantastic work these professionals do on a daily basis and value the care I was given.
“I repeat my unreserved apology for any concern or difficulty I may have caused that night.”
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