Unpaid work for assault on security guard

An intoxicated teenager who punched a Walsall Manor security guard in the face while he was being ushered out of the hospital has been ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

Ben Sturch had downed five beers and half-a-pint of spirits before being taken to the hospital in Moat Road on August 2.

Walsall Magistrates Court heard yesterday the 19-year-old was being discharged from hospital the next day when he got into a disagreement with staff.

Mr Jason Corden-Bowen, prosecuting, said he became aggressive and started asking where his shoes were being kept.

"He was told his mother has collected his shoes earlier. He didn't believe that," Mr Corden-Bowen said. Sturch, of Trevor Road, Pelsall, then punched security guard Laki Singh to the face in the attack.

He was taken to the police station where officers discovered he was also in possession of the drug mephedrone.

Sturch admitted common assault and possession of Class B drugs.

Mr David Nash, mitigating, said only one punch had been thrown and it had caused no injury.

He said: "He had woken up still slightly affected by alcohol from the previous evening.

"He couldn't find his shoes. He wouldn't accept his mother had taken them home.

"He acted inappropriately and struck out at the security guard," he said. Sturch was handed a 12 month community order with a supervision requirement and told to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £75 compensation to the security guard and £85 costs.

The drugs were also ordered to be destroyed by chairman of the bench of magistrates Mr John Palmer.

Mr Palmer added: "The bench is aware that assaulting a security guard at hospital when he is just doing his job is a mean thing to do.

"We accept that was probably down to alcohol."