A 22-year-old hospital patient, Joni Hartson, has been sentenced to jail for a horrific assault on a 67-year-old retired detective at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli. The violent attack occurred in a hospital garden, where Hartson brutally punched Dawn Lloyd 33 times, causing her to suffer a serious head injury. According to prosecutor Alex Orndal, Hartson intentionally targeted Miss Lloyd due to her age and callously admitted to wishing he had killed her during the assault, which was captured on camera.
During the court proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Hartson, who has autism, had not been sectioned at the time of the attack but was receiving treatment at the hospital for suicidal thoughts. The prosecution detailed how Hartson lured Miss Lloyd into the garden, instructed her to stand still, and then repeatedly punched her without any provocation. Shockingly, Miss Lloyd, who had served as a detective for 17 years in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, was left defenseless against the vicious onslaught.
In a victim impact statement, Miss Lloyd’s sister described her as a dedicated professional who had worked closely with the Royal protection team and had later become an office manager involved in the Queen’s Jubilee. The court heard that following the attack, Miss Lloyd experienced significant emotional distress, anxiety, and fear, exhibiting symptoms of confusion and trauma. The interim ward manager, Hannah Cox, highlighted the drastic change in Miss Lloyd’s behaviour, noting her heightened fear and inability to communicate effectively.
In a disturbing turn of events, Hartson went on to assault a healthcare worker by punching them after being transferred to another hospital in Carmarthen. Despite his claims of depression and possible hallucinations at the time of the incidents, Hartson pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker. The presiding judge, Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, swiftly handed down a sentence of two years and six months to Hartson, citing the intentional and calculated nature of the attack on Miss Lloyd.
Judge Lloyd-Clarke condemned Hartson for premeditating the attack and targeting Miss Lloyd based on her perceived vulnerabilities, noting that he had deliberately selected someone incapable of defending themselves. The court recognised the severity of the assault and the profound impact it had on Miss Lloyd’s mental and physical well-being. As the case came to a close, resources for mental health support were highlighted, urging individuals in need to seek help from dedicated helplines and organisations providing assistance in times of crisis.
In the wake of this appalling incident, the judicial system has delivered justice for the victim, while also underscoring the importance of addressing mental health challenges and preventing acts of violence within healthcare settings. The community stands united in condemning such heinous acts of aggression and remains vigilant in safeguarding individuals in vulnerable situations. Moving forward, the focus lies on promoting a safe and secure environment for all individuals, particularly those receiving medical care, to prevent any recurrence of such acts of violence.