Doctor at Blackpool Victoria Hospital punched dementia patient

Dr Xowi Mwimbi claimed he acted in self-defence when he punched the vulnerable patient

A doctor who punched a dementia patient has been found guilty of ill-treatment by a care worker.

Xowi Mwimbi hit the man in the side of the head and pushed his head into a pillow during the incident at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in August 2021.

Preston Crown Court heard the patient had swung his arm at Mwimbi, who had been warned not to approach him.

The 68-year-old locum claimed he had acted in self-defence.

The patient, who also had limited motor functions, made a racial comment as Mwimbi approached.

The jury heard the patient was prone to make such comments because of his complex conditions.

When the doctor failed to leave the room at the patient's request, the patient swung his arm towards him.

Mwimbi reacted by punching the patient to the left temple and pressing his head into the pillow.

Care staff intervened and reported the assault.

In a police interview, Mwimbi said the patient had hit him and racially abused him so he had defended himself.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the incident would not have happened if Mwimbi had followed the care plan.

The court heard the patient scarcely made contact with the doctor due to his lack of mobility.

Following a trial, a jury concluded that the doctor was not acting in self-defence and found him guilty.

Sazeeda Ismail, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West said: "Dr Xowi Mwimbi demonstrated a gross breach of his duty of care, when in anger he used excessive force against an extremely vulnerable man.

"His actions traumatised those who witnessed the incident.

"I would like to thank those witnesses for their quick action in intervening and reporting what they had seen."

Mwimbi is due to be sentenced on 15 May.