A repeat offender who subjected hospital staff to serious abuse and threats has been banned from entering Royal Oldham Hospital except in specific circumstances.
On 29 June 2026, Manchester Magistrates’ Court granted a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) against Andrew Stonier, 31, after a successful application by Oldham Council's Community Safety Team.
The order follows a series of incidents in which the offender made repeated threats towards nurses and hospital staff, including threats to set fire to the hospital. This behaviour caused significant disruption as staff spent hours on end dealing with Stonier, diverting valuable time and resources.
As a result of the court order, the offender is prohibited from entering Royal Oldham Hospital until 28 June 2029, except in specific circumstances such as attending a pre-arranged appointment or requiring emergency medical treatment. A breach of the order will result in arrest.
The order includes the following restrictions:
- Not to enter Royal Oldham Hospital.
- Not to enter or attempt to enter any clinical area, ward, department, Accident and Emergency Department, or outpatient facility.
- Entry only for a pre-arranged appointment.
- When attending an appointment, to arrive within a reasonable timeframe beforehand and leave within 30 minutes of its conclusion.
- An exemption applies only where genuine emergency medical treatment is required.
An Oldham Council spokesperson said: "This individual's behaviour towards dedicated NHS staff was completely unacceptable. No one should be subjected to threatening, abusive or intimidating behaviour while carrying out their job, particularly those working tirelessly to provide care to patients.
"These incidents placed an unnecessary burden on hospital staff and valuable NHS time and resources were spent dealing with his vile and threatening behaviour.
"We took robust action to secure this Criminal Behaviour Order, which sends a clear message that behaviour of this nature will not be tolerate and we will ensure that action is taken against anyone whose behaviour causes harm, fear or disruption in our communities."
The council's Community Safety Team works alongside partners including Greater Manchester Police, the NHS and other agencies to tackle crime anti-social behaviour and strengthen neighbourhoods and communities.
Anyone who breaches the conditions of a Criminal Behaviour Order faces further criminal action and could be returned to court.