Far South Coast father convicted of doctor 'death threats' after newborn held in Canberra Hospital with COVID

On Tuesday, November 9, the 37-year-old entered a guilty plea on a charge of intimidation with the intention to cause fear or physical/mental harm.

The man's child was born prematurely in late September and was in Canberra Hospital for care.

The court heard that he became aggressive towards the paediatrician after being told his child would have to remain in the hospital following a diagnosis of COVID-19.

The court heard that the diagnosis of COVID-19 meant the baby would have to remain in hospital until he returned a negative test, however due to newborn anatomy this may not occur for three to four months.

During submissions made to the court it appeared the man had also tried to have the baby transferred to South East Regional Hospital in Bega, but it could not take the child in his condition.

He was later told that Canberra Hospital would release the child if asymptomatic for 21 days.

The court was told a culmination of these events surrounding the child's birth caused grave concern and worry for the baby's parents.

According to police reports, on October 21, the couple were informed their baby would have to remain at Canberra Hospital for at least another four days, which resulted in an influx of "aggressive and abusive calls" to hospital staff from both parents.

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During a call between the father and the paediatrician, he was reported as saying, "You guys are useless and you don't know what you're doing. Your hospital gave him COVID. I'm going to drive to Canberra and [expletive] shoot you."

In a following call, he told staff that he was going to drive to Canberra and take the child home.

When the doctor stated that would not be possible, the father continued to yell that he would come to the hospital to remove the child from their care.

Magistrate Doug Dick told the court that despite understanding the pressures the family was under, "people in vulnerable positions such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics need to be protected".

He asked the man if he had a medical degree, to which he replied that he did not. Magistrate Dick followed this question with a statement that the doctor was just doing what they thought was right for the child.

He was convicted and fined $2000, and was sentenced to two years to be served by way of a Community Corrections Order. An Apprehended Personal Violence Order was also instated.

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