Murray Royal patient punched care worker

A long-term patient at Perth’s Murray Royal Hospital became aggressive and lashed out at a care assistant who was helping him with his medication.

As a result, Graham McNaughton was punched on the face, causing slight bleeding to his lower lip.

But 31-year-old Sameer Mohammed, who has been subject to a compulsory treatment order for the past 15 months, escaped punishment when he appeared at Perth Sheriff Court.

Sheriff Lindsay Foulis noted that there was no date for the accused’s release back into the community.

And he questioned why the prosecution had been brought.

Mohammed, of Murray Royal Hospital, admitted assaulting Mr McNaughton in Spey Ward on March 31 last year.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said the care assistant had been assisting with the accused’s medication about 2pm.

But he refused to take it and then put a pen between his teeth, as if he was going to break it in two.

Mr McNaughton asked him to remove it and took hold of his arm to try and gain control.

As he did that, the accused punched him on the face.

Noting there was no date for the accused’s return to the community, Sheriff Foulis said: “One might wonder, in the circumstances, why prosecute him?

“Is there anything to be gained by this prosecution?”

The fiscal replied: “Staff there are entitled to the protection of the law.”

The sheriff said he had “no issue with that” but account had to be taken of the likely disposal.

Sheriff Foulis admonished the accused who was returned to the hospital.

The court heard that his situation will be subject to periodic review.