A man with schizophrenia residing at a care home in Rugeley stabbed a staff member in the chest with scissors during an unprovoked assault, Stafford Crown Court heard.
Daniel Smith, 28, carried out the attack on June 11, 2025, at The Gables, an assisted living facility for adults located on Anson Street. Crown prosecutor Chan Shoker explained that the victim was working his shift, which began at 8am, when Smith entered the reception and communal area around 1.10pm.
The prosecutor said: “Mr Smith approached the victim and struck him in the chest with a pair of scissors, pushing him back with considerable force. Following the assault, the victim moved into a hallway, and Mr Smith left through a different door.”
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The victim sustained a small puncture wound and reported hearing a hissing sound caused by air escaping from his body. Emergency services were called, and he was taken to hospital, where doctors discovered his right lung had collapsed. He remained in hospital for two days before discharge and was signed off from work for six weeks.
Smith was later apprehended in his flat, where police found the scissors used in the attack in his hallway, still bearing the victim’s blood. Following his arrest, Smith claimed staff had not listened to him, had been controlling, and were failing to provide necessary help, the court was told.
Stafford Crown Court heard that Smith was not taking his prescribed medication at the time of the incident. Dr Ray, a consultant forensic psychiatrist treating Smith, confirmed that he suffers from schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Dr Ray recommended a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, for treatment in hospital rather than prison, alongside a Section 41 restriction order, which requires government approval for his release.
Defence counsel Emily Waggott stated: “Mr Smith accepts that his actions were exceptionally dangerous and significantly impacted the victim. There is no prior history of such behaviour, and when he complies with his medication, such incidents are unlikely to happen again.”
Smith pleaded guilty to wounding with intent on the first day of his scheduled trial. Recorder R Brand addressed Smith, acknowledging the seriousness of the offence but recognising his illness as a contributing factor. The judge emphasised the importance of continued medication and expressed hope that Smith would maintain his health and avoid further offences.
Smith was detained under the recommended hospital and restriction orders, and a deprivation order was made for the scissors to be destroyed. Recorder Brand concluded: “Sending you to custody is inappropriate given your circumstances. I hope you will remain well, and that we will not see you in Crown Court again.”