Nurse who stabbed herself in bloody compo claim plot found guilty of wasting police time
A NURSE stabbed herself outside a hospital and sparked a huge cop probe as part of a warped campaign to claim compensation.
Health worker Donna Maxwell claimed she’d been attacked by a deranged patient outside a hospital in November, 2018.
The horror incident sparked a massive police response and an innocent woman – who has since died – later appeared in court before being cleared of any involvement.
Maxwell, 47, of Irvine, Ayrshire, continued to insist she was the victim of a random attack during a four-day trial at Ayr Sheriff Court.
But yesterday a jury found her guilty of telling cops a pack of lies after plunging a kitchen knife she’d earlier bought from Tesco into her own abdomen.
Maxwell’s attempts to dodge justice came undone when the court saw CCTV footage of her buying a knife that matched the blade she would go on to thrust into her own body.
The court heard Maxwell began shouting for help outside Ailsa Hospital in Ayr at around 10am on November 22.
She was found with a blade still embedded in her body as she pointed the finger at a mystery female who looked like a drug user.
Stricken Maxwell convinced colleagues who ran to her aid that she had been ambushed and knifed at the facility, which specialises in mental health, psychiatry and addictions.
As part of an appeal for info Superintendent Brian Shaw even gave a description of the “suspect” who was aged between 30 and 50, 5ft 2in to 5ft 3ins, with a slight build and pale complexion.
He said at the time: “She was wearing a dark woolly hat and dark jacket.”
The grounds of the hospital were put into lockdown as cops and detectives scoured the area for clues.
But Maxwell’s fantasy gradually unravelled and she was arrested three weeks later on suspicion of faking the attack.
During her trial Maxwell gave evidence in her own defence and stuck to her original story.
Procurator fiscal depute Alasdair Millar asked: “If you thought you were about to be hit, would it not make sense to look at her hands?”
She said: “It happened so fast. I definitely didn’t see the knife if that’s what you’re alluding to.
“She was ranting and raving, then kind of turned, quick as that, and walked away.”
Mr Millar said: “I put it to you that on November 22, you stabbed yourself.”
Ms Maxwell replied: “Completely incorrect. Can’t be further from the truth.”
Maxwell was found guilty by majority verdict of making statements to cops she knew to be false at her home and at Ayr Hospital where she was treated for her injuries.
Her actions resulted in “temporarily depriving the public” of police services as well as rendering others “liable to suspicion and accusation of assault to injury”.
We first told of Maxwell’s ordeal five years ago when police launched a hunt for a suspect after the alarm was raised by horrified hospital workers.
At the time sources revealed Maxwell had claimed she’d been the victim of a “savage” attack that put her life in danger.
Her claims were taken at face value and a huge hunt for a suspect was launched.
Then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon event commented on the shocking “assault” after the matter was raised at Holyrood by Ayr MSP John Scott.
She said: “Our understanding is that the injuries sustained are not life-threatening and that police are fully involved.
“Obviously, the safety of staff and patients is of the utmost importance.”
Sheriff Shirley Foran called for background reports ahead of another hearing in February.