Man is spared jail after ‘appalling’ attack on a dentist’s receptionist

A MAN has avoided jail after launching an ‘appalling’ attack on a receptionist at a dental surgery - because he missed his appointment.

Benjamin Craig Almond, 27, of Edenfield Road, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to common assault at the surgery on Bury Road in Rochdale when he appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court.

He was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

Outlining the facts of the case, prosecutor Gareth Hughes told the court that the offences occurred on August 19 last year.

“The defendant entered and he was late for his appointment, which was listed for 11am. He then said he was going to go out and get some water, so the receptionist said OK and he left. He was not aggressive at this point.

“He had been gone for about 10 minutes, the dentist had called him but he wasn’t there and hence missed his appointment.

“He then comes back and asks the receptionist if he missed it and she says yes.

“The defendant then got abusive, calling everybody ‘f***ing t ***** s,’ he called the receptionist ‘f***ing ugly,’ a ‘f***ing b***h, and a f***ing s**g’ and then told her: “you should get some f***ing plastic surgery”.

“He then left the surgery and went outside, only to return five minutes later.

“At around 11.40am he returned with what she perceived to be a 500ml bottle of water.

“The defendant walked up to the receptionist and started throwing water at her and over the reception area. The receptionist described him as being ‘furious.’”

The court heard Almond then spat at her and it landed on her shoulder.

In his basis of plea, he admitted spitting, but said it was not his intention to spit at her, it was done on a reckless basis.

In a victim personal statement, the receptionist explained that this was ‘unacceptable’ and a ‘complete shock at the time.’

She also described this was in front of the waiting area where other patients were present including two young children.

She added: “I never expected to be assaulted, I have been working in this position for 11 years and have never been assaulted before.”

In mitigation, his defence lawyer, Stephen Connor said that his client had issues during his childhood and he was remorseful for his actions.

“As Your Honour will have seen in the presentence report, there are issues from my clients childhood that will need to be addressed,” Mr Connor said. However, he is remorseful for his behaviour.”

Addressing Almond, District Judge Bernard Begley said: “This is appalling. This was a woman who was just doing her job. These are serious and appalling offences.”

Almond was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to the receptionist and pay £207 court costs. He must also complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Speaking from the dock, Almond said: “I’m very, very sorry. I really am sorry.”