Good neighbour attacked by drug user

Duncan Walker, who was trying to prevent Coban James Sheridan (21) getting into his elderly neighbours’ property, ended up being bitten when the pair wrestled.

Sheridan, who was described by Mr Walker as “being unaware of his surroundings”, was addicted to the so-called legal high drug Spice at the time of the offence, Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Mr Mark Hughes said that the incident happened at 9pm on August 22 in Rotherham.

Mr Hughes said that Mr Walker found Sheridan — of Doncaster Road, Denaby Main — trying to get into his elderly neighbours’ house and challenged him.

Mr Walker told police that he thought Sheridan was on drugs, said Mr Hughes, adding that letters posted through the elderly woman’s letterbox had enabled police to track down Sheridan, who had been mixing alcohol with sleeping tablets.

Mr Walker had to have hospital treatment and an injection to protect him from hepatitis because of Sheridan’s bites, the court heard.

Mr Hughes said that the victim would have to undergo further injections and was left with his eyes “in a mess” following the unprovoked attack.

Sheridan admitted assault when he appeared before magistrates on Thursday.

Ms Hannah Eddison, mitigating for Sheridan, said the trouble coincided with his addiction to the former “legal high” now as “spice” which he used instead of cannabis because he thought it would be easier to stop taking.

Ms Eddison said Sheridan was now no longer using the drug.

She said: “This is quite an immature young man” who now suffered from anxiety and depression.

District Judge for Sheffield Mr Paul Healey told Sheridan: “I believe this offence is so serious that a custodial sentence can be imposed.”

But the judge said he wanted Sheridan to get help for his problems through the probation service and so suspended his 12 weeks prison term for 12 months.

Sheridan was also ordered to carry out an activity to deal with his drug misuse and submit to a curfew, as well as paying £300 compensation.