Teenager Jailed For Assaulting Staff At Conquest Hospital In St Leonards

A 19-year-old woman has been jailed for 10 months after assaulting a hospital worker, two police officers and racially abusing a security guard at the Conquest Hospital.

Courtney Stewart, of Willingdon Road, Eastbourne, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 17 February.

She had previously admitted three counts of assault by beating and one charge of using racially aggravated behaviour to cause alarm or distress, following the incident on 21 April 2025.

Sussex Police said the case highlights its support for Operation Cavell, a national partnership between police, the NHS and the Crown Prosecution Service aimed at increasing prosecutions and protecting healthcare staff from violence and abuse.

Sergeant Kieron Bracey thanked those involved for reporting the incident and said officers will continue to take firm action against anyone who assaults or abuses frontline workers.

Police reiterated that violence or aggression towards NHS staff is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.