Mental health patient assaults nurse
4:42pm Friday 6th July 2007 in Your Town By Andy McFarlane
A MENTAL health patient assaulted her psychiatric nurse in the street after he came to her aid.
Melvyn Ratcliffe approached Louise Adam as she sat in Victoria Square, surrounded by her belongings on June 5.
Adam, aged 45, of The Croft, Haydock Street, Bolton, was in distress, having just been released from cells at Bolton Magistrates Court where she had being dealt with for a breach of the peace.
Yesterday, prosecutor Nicola Ormerod told Bolton Magistrates Adam had become abusive and punched Mr Ratcliffe four or five times to the arms and stomach.
Mr Ratcliffe managed to call police but when an officer arrived, Adam spat at her before trying to punch and kick her.
After being arrested, Adam admitted assault and threatening behaviour.
Miss Potter, defending, said Adam had been supposed to undergo a psychiatric assessment while in custody at Styal Prison, Cheshire, but that one had not been carried out despite her being in jail for nearly four weeks.
She asked Magistrates to consider imposing a conditional discharge and said Mr Ratcliffe backed the idea.
Magistrates eventually sentenced her to 29 days in prison - the length of time she had already served. Adam was also ordered to pay £43 costs.
