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A deranged patient who wanted to leave hospital “quickly” stole an ambulance and smashed the life saving vehicle into a school bus.

Cathal Doolin, 50, of Glenmore Drive in Drogheda was a patient at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda for two days when he launched his lunatic escape.

On Tuesday he received a two and a half year jail term for the callous crime spree.

Judge Michael O’Shea heard the school bus driver had just dropped 20 children back to school and he was heading to his base when the ambulance crashed into him on May 16, 2014.

(Image: Ciara Wilkinson)

Kevin Segrave, prosecuting, said: “He viewed he ought to leave the hospital quickly.”

He pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the ambulance, school bus and a security barrier as well as dangerous driving and having no insurance.

The court heard that the ambulance had just brought a patient into the Emergency Department of the hospital and Doolin had got into the front seat and locked the doors.

As it fled at speed from the grounds of the medical facility it collided with the security barrier before heading onto the public road.

(Image: Ciara Wilkinson) (Image: Ciara Wilkinson)

On the Ballymakenny Road it collided with the 53 seater Volvo coach which had just dropped 20 children to their school.

Gda Inspector Power said the ambulance “crossed a continuous white central line and collided practically head on with the coach".

Both vehicles were written off in the smash.

Doolin told gardai he had felt compelled to leave the hospital. He had been brought by ambulance to the hospital himself two days earlier with chest pains.

Doolin was severely alcohol dependent and at the time was having hallucinations and was in a psychotic episode that can develop after being without alcohol for 24 hours.

(Image: Ciara Wilkinson)

The court was told that Doolin was extremely remorseful and embarrassed and regretted what he did.

A hand written letter of apology from Doolin was handed to the court.

In sentencing Judge O’Shea said his behaviour was “extraordinary and bizarre,” and Doolin had no concern for the safety of others.

He imposed a three and a half year jail terms for the damage to the ambulance and bus with the last 12 months suspended, and 2 years for damage to the hospital security barrier. He was jailed for 4 months for dangerous driving and for having no insurance. All are to run concurrently and date from last October. He also disqualified Doolin for 4 years.