Allan Jeffery Burdon in court for causing a public nuisance

The waiting room of a regional Queensland emergency department had to be evacuated because of the behaviour of a man with a foot injury when he had to wait for medical attention.

Allan Jeffery Burdon pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance when he faced Maryborough Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The waiting room at the emergency department at Maryborough Hospital had to be evacuated because of a man’s “belligerent” behaviour, a court has heard.

Allan Jeffery Burdon pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance when he faced Maryborough Magistrates Court on Tuesday, February 25.

Police prosecutor Balam Selvadurai said on January 2, 2025, an injured Burdon was taken to the emergency department of the Maryborough Hospital.

Sgt Selvadurai said due to the non-urgent nature of the injury, he was taken to the waiting room to be triaged.

“The defendant was not happy at waiting in the waiting room,” Sergeant Selvadurai told the court.

Allan Jeffery Burdon pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance when he faced Maryborough Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Burdon had become belligerent towards nurses and hospital staff, raising his voice and swearing, Sgt Selvadurai said.

“The defendant’s conduct was such that they had to evacuate the waiting room,” he said.

Burdon then stood at the triage counter and pushed his foot through the gap between the counter and window towards staff, the court heard.

He remained agitated and confrontational with hospital staff, with security having to deal with the situation.

On February 8, 2025, police spoke to Burdon, who was remorseful for his actions, the court heard.

Duty lawyer Warren Hunter said since the incident Burdon had contacted the hospital to apologise for his behaviour.

The hospital had accepted the apology while outlining what was expected of people who attended there, the court heard.

Mr Hunter said Burdon suffered from Parkinson’s disease, anxiety and mental health problems.

He was “generally homeless” and was living in a mobile home.

Mr Hunter said he was submitting for a good behaviour bond because of the remorse shown and no criminal history.

Magistrate John Milburn said on the day of the incident, Burdon had attended the hospital due to a foot injury.

He said while parties emphasised that he felt frustrated and had been in pain, his behaviour was inappropriate.

Mr Milburn said the triage process was in place to ensure those most in need were dealt with as a priority.

But he considered the disadvantage Burdon had suffered, including homelessness.

Burdon was placed on a $700 good behaviour bond for seven months.

No conviction was recorded.

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