Appeals Court Scheduled for Assault Case Involving Psychiatric Patient

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The High Appeals Court has scheduled August 18th for the hearing of an appeal against a one-year prison sentence and a 1,000 dinar temporary compensation order for a defendant who assaulted a nurse, causing a 20% disability in his eye.

The court previously heard evidence from a three-member medical committee at the Psychiatric Hospital, which concluded that the defendant suffers from a schizoaffective disorder with symptoms of substance abuse disorder. However, the committee found no direct causal link between the defendant's disorder and his actions, deeming him responsible for his behaviour.

The prosecution alleged that the 30-year-old defendant assaulted the nurse, who was performing his duties at the hospital, causing the injuries described in the medical report. The assault resulted in a 20% disability, although the defendant did not intend to cause such harm.

The victim, a nurse at the Psychiatric Hospital, stated that he was on duty around 1 am when he saw the defendant in the corridor. The defendant then ran towards him and began assaulting him without provocation.

The nurse explained that the defendant punched him in the right eye with his fist. When he attempted to restrain the defendant, he continued to punch him, causing him to fall to the ground. The defendant then continued to kick him while he was on his back until other staff intervened and separated them.

A forensic report confirmed that the victim sustained a blunt force trauma injury, consistent with a punch, and that he suffered a 20% disability as a result.

The court will now hear arguments from both the prosecution and the defence before issuing its ruling on the appeal. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether the defendant's sentence and compensation order will be upheld or overturned.