Jack Coleman charged with causing $100,000 damage to Gosford Hospital by flooding it with a hydrant
LIVES were “potentially” put at risk after an intoxicated man climbed into an unopened section of Gosford Hospital’s new tower and allegedly turned on a large fire hydrant, which caused an estimated $100,000 worth of water damage.
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LIVES were “potentially” put at risk after an intoxicated man climbed into an unopened section of Gosford Hospital’s new tower and allegedly turned on a large fire hydrant, which caused an estimated $100,000 worth of water damage.
Brisbane Water Chief Inspector Nigel Webber said flooding from the 100mm diameter hydrant damaged specialist medical equipment and forced the hospital to close the triage section and resuscitation rooms of the Emergency Department and the elevators so patients could not be moved between the floors.
“The impact on the community, on the whole, I think potentially he has put lives at risk,” Chief Insp Webber said.
Police allege the man — identified in court documents as Jack Coleman, 20, of Kincumber — presented to Gosford Hospital with an ankle injury shortly before 11.20pm yesterday.
Chief Insp Webber said the man was intoxicated and became argumentative.
He was escorted by security off hospital property but returned a short time later.
“He has made his way up to a new section of the hospital that is currently unstaffed,” Chief Insp Webber said.
“Police will allege he has then taken the cap off the fire hydrant and turned it on.”
Staff only became aware of it when water started to flood down walls in the brand new building, into electrical equipment, light fittings, televisions and the elevator shafts, which had to be stopped.
The flooding also forced the hospital to temporarily close the ambulance and paramedic entry to Emergency and redirect them through another entrance.
Chief Insp Webber said Fire & Rescue NSW had to be called to assist in the massive task of mopping up.
He said hospital security eventually found the source of the water and allegedly located Mr Coleman standing near the open hydrant “smoking a cigarette”.
Police were called and Coleman was arrested and taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with one count of recklessly or intentionally destroying or damaging property worth more than $15,000.
Chief Insp Webber said the charge of destroying or damaging property had various levels, which were based on the estimated value of the damage, with the highest level being damage of more than $15,000.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years jail.
Coleman appeared at Gosford Local Court today where charge sheets allege his reign of water terror went from 11.23pm until he was stopped nearly an hour later at 12.27am.
Chief Insp Webber said initial estimations put the damage at $100,000 but a police prosecutor told the court officers were still taking statements and indicated the true extent of the damage was yet to be determined.
Coleman’s Legal Aid solicitor initially said he was going to apply for bail but later, when the matter was listed again, told the court he would not be seeking bail and it was formally refused.
Dressed in a large dark green hooded jacket a dishevelled looking Coleman hobbled into the dock the first time on crutches and then a second time by hopping on his good leg.
He said nothing during his matter’s two brief mentions where his solicitor successfully sought a court order that he get medical treatment for his ankle while in custody.
The matter was adjourned to Monday when his solicitor said he would be making an application for bail.
Magistrate John McIntosh had earlier advised Coleman’s solicitor “I’m going to have difficulty [granting bail]”.
