Schizophrenic attacker who punched and threatened man for mobile spared jail
An attacker who punched and threatened a man to get his mobile phone has been handed a community order as he suffers from schizophrenia.
Leroy Simmonds approached Jason Smith and his girlfriend at about 10.30pm on May 31 in Bentley, Walsall, and 'repeatedly asked him for his mobile phone', prosecutor Mr Lee Marklew told Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Simmonds, aged 23, threatened to put 'something inside him' if he did not hand over the phone, Mr Marklew said.
When the victim said he did not have a mobile, Simmonds punched him in the head.
The attacker then ran off empty-handed but was arrested a month later at his home in Star Close, Bentley. When interviewed by police he admitted punching Mr Smith but denied threatening him, the court heard.
The victim's girlfriend has since said she is now scared of walking around the local area, Mr Marklew said.
Simmonds admitted attempted robbery and common assault, and was given a three-year community order by Judge Michael Challinor.
Two psychiatric reports revealed he suffered from 'mild schizophrenia', the judge said, and told Simmonds jailing him 'would perhaps make you worse'.
He will also be required to receive mental health treatment during the three years.
The judge added: "If you keep trying to rob people, even if you are not well at the time, the court may need to lock you up."
