A patient on a mental health ward attacked a member of staff and spat at him.

Damien Brewer, 24, was a patient on the Millbrook Unit at Macclesfield Hospital when staff on the ward heard some commotion coming from the lounge, a court heard.

They spotted Brewer leaving the room and saw that he had damaged the TV because he was struggling to get it working, the hearing was told. A staff member tried to calm Brewer down but the defendant tried to punch him.

Another worker, Simon Everall, stepped in but Brewer attacked him, striking him on the head before spitting at him, the court heard.

Magistrates were told that Brewer’s medication was having an adverse effect on him, but they warned him it was their duty to protect mental health workers.

Robin Lynch, prosecuting, said: “Staff on the Bollin Ward heard banging in the lounge and saw the defendant leaving the room.

“The defendant couldn’t get the TV working and was in a bad mood.

“The TV was damaged.

“The defendant removed his shirt and a staff member tried to calm him down but he threw punches towards the worker.

“Another staff member, Simon Everall, tried to intervene and was struck to the forehead and the defendant spat at him.”

The court heard Mr Everall had no visible injuries but suffered a headache.

Brewer, of Pickering Way, Stapeley, pleaded guilty at Stockport Magistrates Court to assault by beating and criminal damage to a TV belonging to the Millbrook Unit at Macclesfield District General Hospital, on August 25, 2016.

Karl Benson, defending, said: “The incident occurred in hospital after the defendant had been sectioned. A psychiatric report has been produced. He was having an adverse reaction to his medication at the time of the incident.

“He’s been much better recently and his medication is stable.”

Magistrates gave Brewer a conditional discharge.

Chairman of the bench Joseph Simon said: “We do have to protect our mental health professionals but we take into consideration the problems you face.

“We hope we won’t see you here again.”

Brewer was ordered to pay £85 court costs, £20 victim surcharge and £80 compensation.