A mental health nurse at a psychiatric facility was attacked by a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, resulting in the nurse being stabbed and left with two scars. The incident occurred at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, where Alexander Horton, a 34-year-old patient, assaulted the nurse during her routine nightly checks on October 30, 2024.
During the attack, Horton requested assistance from the nurse before unexpectedly putting her in a headlock and striking her face with a sharpened pen. The nurse endured two lacerations to her left eyebrow and one to the side of her left eyebrow, causing significant bleeding. Staff members intervened after approximately eight seconds, leading to Horton’s apprehension and the nurse being swiftly taken to the hospital for treatment.
Following his arrest, Horton admitted to feeling overwhelmed and trapped, revealing that he had missed his medication that day, which triggered his actions. Despite his initial outburst, Horton expressed regret for his behavior. He confessed to intentional strangulation and a wounding offense, despite having no prior criminal record.
In court, the nurse recounted her ongoing fear and anxiety following the attack, emphasizing the emotional toll it had taken on her. She highlighted her increased vigilance around male patients and the lasting physical reminders of the assault, including two visible scars on her face. The nurse also expressed gratitude that her eyesight was unharmed despite the close call with the pen.
Horton’s defense attorneys argued that his violent outburst was uncharacteristic, pointing out his cooperative behavior during psychiatric treatment prior to the incident. Judge Paul Hobson acknowledged the severity of the nurse’s ordeal and the impact of Horton’s actions on her, ultimately ordering Horton to undergo psychiatric treatment under section 37 of the Mental Health Act.