A psychiatric ward patient from Watford has been jailed for 10 years after "brutal" attack that left a nurse with a bleed on the brain.

Kieron Hall, of Fearnley Street, was jailed for 10 years, with a five-year licence extension to protect the public, meaning he can be recalled to prison if he reoffends or breaks the terms of his licence at any time within the next 15 years.

He was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, causing actual bodily harm and assault on an emergency worker.

Prosecutor Daniel Siong told St Albans Crown Court that on November 10, 2021, the victim had come to give the 32-year-old medication at the end of an assessment by a psychiatrist at the Oak Ward at Kingsley Green Psychiatric Unit, Radlett.

When she introduced herself, Hall rose to his feet and punched her numerous times to the face, and when she fell to the floor, he stamped on her head and chest multiple times.

"It was a brutal attack. The injuries were really quite horrifying," said Judge Richard Foster.

"She suffered a bleed on the brain, terrible pain, and dizziness. 

"She has lost her confidence and can’t drive. She struggles to think, has headaches and her husband has had to stop work to look after her."

In a victim personal statement, the woman said: "I will never be the same again."

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A colleague who went to the victim's aid suffered a small fracture to a bone in his wrist as he blocked a punch, while another staff member was bruised in the chest when he was punched.

Hall was admitted to the ward on November 7, but had "not had his medication for a number of days and had not eaten for a number of days" according to Minal Raj, defending.

The court was told psychiatrists found that Hall did not have any acute mental illness and could be dealt with by a prison sentence.

In summarising, Judge Foster said: "The health care staff looking after you had your best interests at heart. They were trying to help you.

"The victim came in to give you your medication and you carried out a brutal attack on her for absolutely no reason whatsoever."