Panic Attack Caused Man To Assault Officers

A St Helens man assaulted two police officers - after suffering a panic attack.

St Helens Magistrates heard how Simon David Ledger, 28, Peebles Avenue, suffered the attack and hit his head on a light fitting.

Ali Sarwar, prosecuting, told the court police constables Steven Mawdsley and Claire Parker were called to Ledger’s home on February 11 after his mother reported that he had pulled a light fitting off a wall and hit his head and face on it.

The ambulance service arrived before the police, and found he had a bad cut to the bridge of his nose.

Mr Sarwar said Ledger had got out of bed with palpitations and hit his head on the light fitting.

Ledger had been drinking and it was not known whether the panic attack had been caused by cannabis or the alcohol.

Ledger left the house and constables Mawdsley and Parker found him in Old Nook Lane, where he was bleeding heavily.
Ledger swore at Mr Mawdsley and punched the left side of his head.

Mr Mawdsley took hold of him and lowered him to the floor, where he continued to kick and punch.

Both Mr Mawdsley and Ms Parker sustained injuries whilst attempting to restrain Ledger.

Mr Sarwar said:”They had problems holding him down and officers say it was like fighting with a mad man with unbelievable strength.

“He continued to shout ‘I want to go to hell, I can see the light waiting for me.’”Ledger was then handcuffed and taken to Whiston Hospital, where he was treated by medical staff and taken into custody.

Officers found Ledger had cannabis resin in his possession, which he admitted he smoked for his own personal use.

Mr Sarwar said: “He apologised and didn’t mean to hurt anyone. He was aware it was an offence to have it (cannabis) on his person.”

Andrew Scott, defending, said he did not have a detailed recollection of the events, but did not dispute the facts put to him.

Mr Scott said Ledger had been assessed by a GP, who concluded the symptoms were those of a panic attack and there was nothing to suggest he had any mental illness.

He said:”He was fully co-operative and pleaded guilty. He did not excuse his actions and knows he should be punished.”

The case was adjourned and Ledger was given unconditional bail until a pre-sentence report on April 8.