Knife-wielding mentally-ill South Yorkshire woman frightened paramedics

Sheffield Crown Court heard on August 25 how Elizabeth Crompton, aged 47, of Osborne Street, Barnsley, had been drunk and was self-harming when she called for an ambulance but as two paramedics arrived to help her she threatened them with a knife.

Louise Gallagher, prosecuting, said: “Elizabeth Crompton was in her home address and was drunk and was self-harming and had cut her neck and she called ambulance paramedics who arrived and went into the house.”

However, Crompton refused treatment and returned putting a razor blade to her wrist which was taken from her, according to Ms Gallagher, and despite being treated she set fire to the bandaging which had to be extinguished.

Ms Gallagher added that Crompton returned indoors and was shouting for help and she took a knife from the kitchen and she lunged at the paramedics who thought they would be stabbed and she pursued them to the ambulance before she calmed down.

Crompton pleaded guilty to affray after the incident on April 4, 2019.

The defendant told police she has a borderline personality disorder and has had episodes which she cannot recall and she had not intended to hurt anyone.

Judge Sarah Wright told Crompton: “While paramedics arrived you continued to self-harm and you were abusive and threatening.”

However, Judge Wright recognised Crompton is currently receiving mental health support and she has now abstained from alcohol.

Crompton was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.