Southampton Crown Court heard how two nurses had been “violently assaulted” during an outburst from Ben Nelson.

Nelson, 24, was a patient at the Southampton General Hospital and attempted to take his own life before being restrained by staff on February 6, 2024.

The nurse left with a broken finger said the injury continued to cause her significant pain after the incident.  

Ben Nelson broke a nurse's fingers after he launched a violent assault on staff at Southampton General Hospital (Image: Hampshire Constabulary) In her victim impact statement, which was read out to the court, she said: “I do not know why I still continue to be a nurse.”

The defendant, who appeared via video link for the hearing, interjected and asked if he could read an apology letter.

Reading his handwritten letter, Nelson addressed the victim and said: “I would like to apologise to you and say how sorry I am for what happened.

“I feel so bad for what happened, and I am very sorry. I hope this apology reaches you.”

A second nurse was also injured during the violent incident, but the details were not shared in court.

Prosecuting, Laura Bowles said that Nelson had to be restrained and sedated by medical staff.

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Mitigating, Chris Gaiger emphasised he “deeply regrets” his actions.

He said: “Mr Nelson was suffering with his mental health at the time and had been taken to hospital following an attempt to take his own life.  

“He did not intend to hurt the nurse but by pleading guilty accepts that his actions were reckless.  

“Mr Nelson has a long history of mental health problems and while on remand had been transferred to a secure hospital for treatment.”

Nelson, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and a charge of assault by beating an emergency worker.

Judge Nigel Peters KC told the defendant: “Nurses need protection and there has to be punishment accordingly.”

Nelson was sentenced to a year in prison.

Following the sentencing, chief nursing officer at University Hospital Southampton Gail Byrne said such behaviour towards staff is “unacceptable”.

She added: “Our staff work tirelessly each day to provide compassionate, high-quality care to our patients - often in challenging circumstances. Nobody deserves to come to work and suffer threats, abuse or physical harm while doing their job.

“We continue to work closely with partners and our security team to ensure that our hospital remains a safe environment for all.”