A man, who punched and kicked a hospital doctor who was treating him, has been jailed.

Sarfraz Hussain, 21, assaulted Dr Nasir Khan as he assessed him at Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, a court was told.

Hussain appeared from custody for sentencing at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court yesterday.

He was flanked in the secure dock by two detention officers as District Judge Susan Bouch sentenced him to 28 days imprisonment for common assault.

The court was told that Hussain, of New Croft Street, West Bowling, Bradford, had gone to the hospital at 2am on Saturday, August 24 last year after having suicidal thoughts.

He underwent a two-hour assessment with Dr Khan in the A&E department, but an argument developed and Hussain punched the medic three times in the face, causing him tenderness and a small scratch.

The defendant also kicked out at the doctor, making contact with his leg. He had to be detained by security staff.

His solicitor, Saj Chaudhury, said his client had issues. He had bouts of feeling unwell which were resolved when he went to see his GP.

Hussain, who had a previous conviction for assault, was already on a community order from the crown court, the court heard.

Mrs Bouch said the fact the defendant had assaulted a doctor was an aggravating factor. She said the offence was serious and crossed the custody threshold. Hussain was clearly not well when he attended hospital, but it did not excuse the assault.

Mrs Bouch told Hussain: “I am satisfied that this offence is so serious the court must pass a term of imprisonment. It is made more serious that you assaulted Dr Khan while he was undertaking his duties at the hospital. That assault only came to an end when the security guard intervened.”

She said she took into account his guilty plea and comments by a community psychiatric nurse and mental health team. She made no order for costs or compensation.