Hospital order for man who stabbed medic

The woman was attacked at Otley Road Medical Practice

A man who stabbed a healthcare assistant in the back at a medical centre in Bradford has been made the subject of an indefinite hospital order.

Brian Clifton, 63, who has schizophrenia, attacked the woman during a blood test appointment at the New Otley Road Medical Practice in March 2023.

Bradford Crown Court heard the health worker felt two sharp blows to her upper back and saw her patient with a knife in his hand.

Clifton, of Barkerend Road, Bradford, admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to the hospital order under the Mental Health Act.

Hidden knife

The court heard how he had been jailed for nine years in 1996 for false imprisonment and indecent assault following another serious attack on a health professional.

In the incident at New Otley Road on 31 March last year, the court heard how the healthcare worker realised she had been stabbed and fled the room screaming.

She was helped by a doctor who locked himself in another room with her while he administered first aid.

Police were called and found the knife hidden in the crease of the treatment couch in the room where the attack took place.

'Monster' in head

In a victim impact statement, the complainant said working in healthcare was her passion and the attack had affected her everyday life.

She described Clifton as the “monster” who lived in her head.

The judge, Recorder Anthony Hawks, said it was clear that Clifton had a long history of schizoaffective disorder and he was satisfied that the order under the Mental Health Act was required.

He said Clifton would not be released without the permission of the secretary of state.

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