Mentally ill Rainworth man drank energy drinks and then punched a care worker because he wouldn't make him a sandwich

A Rainworth man with mental health issues consumed 10 energy drinks then punched a care worker because he wouldn’t make him a sandwich, a court heard.
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Luke Rich committed the attack at Sherwood Lodge, in Colliery Lane, Rainworth, on March 7 this year, where he is currently sectioned under the Mental Health Act, Nottingham Magistrates’ Court was told on Friday, October 23.

Prosecuting, Neil Hollett said the victim had been supervising other patients in an outside area and told the 26-year-old that he would have to ask another member of staff because he couldn’t leave his post.

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“The defendant was standing by the kitchen door saying that he wanted a sandwich because he was hungry, but he couldn’t get one because the kitchen was locked,” Mr Hollett said.

Luke Rich punched a care worker because he wouldn't make him a sandwichLuke Rich punched a care worker because he wouldn't make him a sandwich
Luke Rich punched a care worker because he wouldn't make him a sandwich

“He said that he could not leave his post in the garden, and that he could have a sandwich but that another staff member would have to help him.

“The defendant then said, ‘I f****** hate you and punched him in the face.”

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Rich punched the care worker up to 10 times to the head, leaving him with facial injuries, and had to be dragged off by other care workers, the court heard.

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He admitted common assault when he appeared before the court via videolink from the care home.

Mitigating, Laurence Dilworth told the court: “The hospital had started to make plans for his discharge, him having been a patient there for the past five years, and the anxieties that he experienced in the community were returning to him.

“He had been on day release and had consumed 10 energy drinks, because they give him the same high as the drugs he used to take, and was suffering the comedown afterwards.

“Things have now settled and there has been a period of calm behaviour. He has seen the care worker and apologised, and also written a letter to him.”

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Magistrates ordered Rich to pay the care worker £200 in compensation and fined him £100. He must also pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Rich also expressed his regret about the incident to magistrates.

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