A 20-year-old man appeared in Liverpool Crown Court charged with assaulting six hospital staff members at Newton Hospital in Newton-le-Willows last December. Omar Momand denies the allegations, which include four counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of attempted grievous bodily harm.

Prosecutors say the attacks took place on December 30, 2023, when Momand allegedly assaulted staff and members of the public with a metal bar so forcefully that it bent. The incident reportedly lasted around half an hour, during which Momand struck several people and, in some cases, returned to attack those who were already injured. Hospital workers were forced to seek refuge in locked toilets to escape the assaults.

Jamie Baxter, prosecuting, described the defendant as going "on a spree" and said Momand targeted nurses, hospital staff, and others present throughout the hospital. The attack came after Momand attended the hospital requesting an appointment but became agitated. One victim, Megan Lynch, was struck from behind while standing by a vending machine. Others, including Jeanette Jones, Ian McGurk, Eleni Tsikoua, and Michelle Stewart, were also attacked, some returning from lunch when assaulted. Pharmacy assistant Donna Fenton recalled Momand sprinting toward her, telling her, “I’ll show you what’s going on,” leaving her fearful for her safety. Police eventually ended the incident with assistance from a dog unit.

During the trial, Momand claimed in a prepared statement that he believed his orange juice had been poisoned by a neighbor the night before the attacks, causing confusion and memory loss regarding the events. The court heard that he was experiencing an acute episode of psychotic illness at the time, as noted by medical assessments at the Merseyside hospital.

Momand acknowledges causing the injuries but disputes the intent to inflict serious harm. The trial, which began this week, is ongoing.