Pharmacist admits lawyer attack

A pharmacist who hit a barrister over the head with an iron bar after he was struck off at a disciplinary hearing has been told he will be sent to jail.

Samuel Ashby, 61, from Ingoldsby, Lincs, admitted attacking Desmond Fitzpatrick in south London in October, leaving him needing seven stitches.

The hearing had heard how Ashby had been aggressive towards staff, insulted customers and made dispensing errors.

A judge at Inner London Crown Court remanded him in custody on Monday.

Ashby pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm on 25 October 2006.

The court heard Ashby "blew his cool" at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society hearing, seconds after being told he was no longer fit to practise.

'Substantial risk'

He pulled out a 12-inch bolt, vaulted onto a table and launched himself at 47-year-old Mr Fitzpatrick, who had helped bring the case against the pharmacist.

Both the probation officer and your own psychiatrist said you expressed no remorse whatsoever for your actions Judge Quentin Campbell

Ashby repeatedly lashed out, striking Mr Fitzpatrick on the head and causing a five-inch long scalp wound.

Judge Quentin Campbell told Ashby: "It is no part of this court's remit to consider whether the charges brought against you by your professional body were fair, unfair, justified, or unjustified."

The judge went on to say that he was concerned about a report prepared by a psychiatrist.

"Both the probation officer and your own psychiatrist said you expressed no remorse whatsoever for your actions, no sympathy or empathy for your victim whatsoever," the judge said.

"I am afraid the court, having read the psychiatrist's report, considers you pose a substantial risk (to the public)."

He added: "I have no doubt whatsoever I will be imposing a sentence of imprisonment in this case.

"It is merely a question of whether it will be an extended one."