Probation officer on 'cocktail' of drugs attacked paramedic

A probation officer assaulted a paramedic after drinking and overdosing on a 'cocktail' of prescription drugs, a court heard.

Zafran Akhtar, from West Bromwich, grabbed paramedic Matthew Thompson around his neck and arm while holding a pint glass.

The assault took place at 31-year-old Akhtar's home shortly after 4am on June 28 after he had called for medical help.

Sandwell Magistrates Court was told Akhtar, of Princes Gate, was on prescribed drugs for depression and back problems, which mixed with alcohol could have led to him to react in that way.

The court heard Mr Thompson arrived at his home with a colleague where Akhtar said he was suffering from palpitation's and had taken an overdose, the court heard.

But when the paramedics arrived, Akhtar refused to be taken to hospital for treatment and the ambulance crew left. The court heard Akhtar made a further three calls to 999 before Mr Thompson returned.

[related_posts title="More from the courts"]

They found the defendant in the living room drinking alcohol and was described as 'spaced out'. Akhtar, who was found guilty of assault, then grabbed Mr Thompson around his neck and right arm.

Mr Anthony Cartin, prosecuting, said: "Mr Thompson had to push him to the floor and report the matter to the police. Later that day the police attended where Mr Akhtar was in bed refusing to put any clothes on. When told he was under arrest he launched himself at the officer whilst being verbally abusive."

Witness, Dr Edward Bliss, an expert in pharmacology and drug interactions, said: "Mr Akhtar had been on a daily dose of Fluoxetine for major depression, Zopiclone sleeping pills and a high dose of Gabapentin for back problems. These drugs can trigger queer effects. I believe from medical records he had no insight or awareness of what he was doing. In my view, Mr Akhtar also has undiagnosed bipolar."

Nick Robinson, defending, said: "He was on a cocktail of prescribed drugs."

District Judge, Michael Wheeler, fined Akhtar £120 and ordered him to pay costs of £400, court charge of £520 and a victim surcharge of £20.

Akhtar, who denied the charge at the one-day trial, was also found guilty of obstructing a police officer and fined £60.

Nick Henry, from West Midlands Ambulance Service, said it was unacceptable ambulance staff should have to face abuse.