AMBULANCE chiefs last night said they would adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards abuse after a Burford woman who damaged the inside of a vehicle was fined.

Roxanne Draper, 20, of Walkers Close, Asthall, collapsed during a rave near Chipping Norton on April 19.

An ambulance was called, but when it arrived Draper refused treatment and was abusive towards the crew.

Equipment lockers were broken and she was arrested for criminal damage.

Appearing at Banbury Magistrates' Court, Draper was fined £75, ordered to pay the ambulance service compensation of £200, court costs of £60 and a victim surcharge of £15.

Alan Weir, South Central Ambulance Services operational manager, said: "We are very pleased with the outcome of this case.

"We are not prepared to tolerate abuse of our staff or the offensive behaviour of patients.

"Fortunately, such cases are comparatively rare, although there is a worrying increase in assaults on staff."

PC Ben Braddick, of Chipping Norton police, said: "It is absolutely right the NHS should not - and will not - tolerate any form of abuse to its staff or damage to its property."