Brother and sister created disturbance at Boston health centre over medication, court told

Antonia Danielle Hickman 26, of Caleb Hill Road, Old Leake, admitted disorderly behaviour and her brother Joshua Paul Hickman, 23, of the same address, damage to a wall, when they appeared at Boston Magistrates Court.

Prosecuting, Nick Todd said that, together with their mother, the two were at Old Leake Medical Centre at 6pm on October 30 to collect Joshua Hickman's medication.

He said Joshua became agitated as he felt that he had been given the wrong amount.

Mr Todd said Joshua headbutted the wall, hit himself and punched a wall leaving a fist-shaped hole.

He said Antonia became upset by her brother's behaviour and began shouting threats at staff, who pulled down the shutters to the pharmacy.

He said the entire family had now been removed from the register of the practice.

Mitigating, Michael Alexander said James, who was said to have mental health issues, had said he was 'very sorry' and that 'his emotions took control of him'.

“Either the dispensary did not explain themselves properly or the Hickmans did not understand what was being said,” he said.

He said Joshua was given only two tablets when he was expecting a week's worth.

He said Joshua 'copes by hitting himself, but he means no harm by it'.

Mr Alexander said Antonia was present and was defending her brother, but accepted she was being abusive, adding that the family now had to travel to Louth to see a doctor.

After hearing that Joshua was already on a community order imposed in April, the magistrates told the two they were 'obliged to secure the safety of people working in the public services'.

They gave both of them six month conditional discharges, ordering Antonia pay £21 in court charges and Joshua to pay £30 compensation for the damage he caused.