Ambulance worker attacks boss with hammer in 5.30am ambush

On November 11, 2022, Stacey Smith, a 46-year-old ambulance care assistant, allegedly attacked her manager, Michala Morton, outside Morton's home in a violent confrontation. The incident occurred at 5:30 am and was reportedly fueled by ongoing disputes over shift patterns and workplace grievances. Smith had been managed by Morton since 2017, but their relationship soured during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to formal complaints and tensions regarding work schedules. The conflict escalated when Smith and her wife sought to work together and share non-working days, which led to further disputes. Despite some allowances being made, issues regarding shift patterns resurfaced, prompting Smith to file a grievance against Morton. The situation deteriorated to the point where Morton felt compelled to report Smith's behavior to the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS). During the attack, Smith allegedly screamed threats at Morton, resulting in a physical confrontation where Morton sustained a fractured wrist while trying to protect herself. Following the incident, Smith called a friend, expressing her inability to cope with the situation. She later admitted to having the intent to kill Morton, indicating the severity of her emotional distress. The trial is ongoing, with Smith pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent but denying attempted murder. The case highlights the intense pressures faced by healthcare workers during the pandemic and the potential for workplace conflicts to escalate into violence.