A SMOKER forced a hospital door after she was told she would have to wait for a cigarette, a court has heard.

Kirsty Louise White entered a guilty plea when she appeared before magistrates in Hereford on December 9.

The court heard White had been taken to A&E in Hereford at around 7.30pm on July 16 after taking an overdose of medication.

But, prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe said, when the 25-year-old asked to go out for a cigarette, she was told by staff that she would have to wait until later.

Minutes later, when staff returned to White's bed, they found she had left.

White was found smoking outside the department, while staff found the exit door had been forced open, causing around £300 worth of damage to the lock system.

She then discharged herself and left the hospital, the court heard.

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Emma Thorne, for White, said she had fully admitted damaging the door both to hospital staff and the police.

"She tells me that she was having a bad day and night of it and an ambulance was called after she took an overdose," Mrs Thorne said.

"She is a regular smoker and she had asked for a smoke, which she says helps her anxiety. She was not allowed anyone in hospital with her because of Covid.

"She admitted forcing the door and discharged herself. She then went back to the hospital, where she was later discharged without incident."

White, of Barrs Court Road, Hereford, received a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay compensation of £300, costs of £135, and a £22 victim surcharge.