1 week Ago
A MAN who knocked out a security guard at Colchester Hospital and left him in a “pool of blood” has been spared jail. Timothy Howarth, 35, was supported at Colchester Magistrates' Court by his mother and grandmother, who attended his sentencing on April 23. The court heard that the defendant, who was visibly tense and tried to hide his tears while he sat in the dock, had attacked several members of security at Colchester Hospital on March 28.
Howarth attended the hospital at around 9pm and stated he was in a mental health crisis, demanding immediate treatment. His “erratic behaviour” led staff to call security personnel, who tried explaining that he would have to wait to be seen, upon which the defendant threatened to kill himself, headbutted and punched the wall in the reception area. Further security staff tried to remove Howarth from the building, and a security guard was pushed into the wall, leaving him with a cut on his elbow.
The court heard how a third worker was pushed and fell to the ground, hitting his head on the concrete. His colleague described him as “lying lifeless in a pool in his own blood”. In total, four members of staff were assaulted by the defendant, and a pair of glasses were damaged during the incident.
Chloe Goodey, mitigating, told the court that the defendant had been struggling with anxiety and depression and had been diagnosed with bipolar and personality disorders. Following a change in medication, Howarth’s mental health deteriorated, leaving him with suicidal thoughts and the impulse to seek help, as he experienced issues when calling 111. Miss Goodey said: “He is very remorseful about his actions and is extremely sorry.
“He is taking responsibility and accepts that he needs help. He is paying privately for therapy sessions, and he is paying a lot, £6,000 for 48 sessions. He is someone who is really trying to get on a better path in his life.
” Considering Howarth's mental health issues, the bench decided against a custodial sentence, leaving the defendant and his family bursting into tears of relief. Howarth, of Rushbury Close, Ipswich, was sentenced to an 18-month community order, a six-month mental health treatment order, 50 days of rehabilitation activity requirement and £450 in compensation, as well as an additional £150 for the three other members of staff. An additional fine of £50 was also imposed.
Magistrates warned Howarth about committing other offences. In response he said: “I won’t, I just want to get myself the support I need. Thank you.
” He was embraced by his mother and grandmother before leaving the courtroom..
