Man who strangled Norwich patient said he was 'going to die'

A man with a history of schizophrenia attempted to strangle a fellow patient with a shoelace, a court has heard.

William Hadad, 58, and the victim were both patients at Northside House, a secure mental health unit in Norwich, and had previously had a "good relationship".

Norwich Crown Court heard the victim had been drinking a cup of tea in the early hours of April 11 last year when Hadad entered the room and "started strangling him from behind with considerable force" with a shoelace.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

Giles Fleming, prosecuting, said Hadad, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, told the victim "he was going to die" and although he was unable to speak managed to kick the table and attract the attention of staff who intervened.

Mr Fleming said as Hadad was led away he was shouting "I want you dead, I want you dead" at the victim who sustained marks to his neck.

Hadad, of Northside House, St Andrews Business Park, Thorpe St Andrew, appeared in court on Thursday (August 3) having admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court was told he had been assessed by two psychiatrists both of who suggested a hospital order was appropriate.

Andrew Thompson, mitigating, said Hadad had been "quite seriously ill since the incident" but that he had "expressed his regret for his conduct" and knew a hospital order might well be imposed.

Imposing a hospital order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act, Recorder John Hardy said: "This was a nasty attack but you're a very ill man and it's in everyone's interests, including your own, that you're treated in hospital and get the treatment that you need".

The order means Hadad will remain in hospital rather than be sent to prison.