A MAN saw “a red mist” before attacking subjecting care home staff and residents to a “very unpleasant and frightening” attack, a court heard.

Benjamin Freeman, 27, stamped on a man’s head, tore out a chunk of hair from a woman and punched staff members at Clarendon House, Salisbury.

Freeman, of Wingfield Road, Trowbridge, was living at the home for people with mental health and learning difficulties when he carried out the attacks on November 11 last year.

After taking his medication in his room without incident, Freeman asked for supper and was told the medication round had to be completed first.

A “red mist came down” and Freeman smashed plates on the floor and kicked staff member Sean Harden on his shin before pushing him out of the front door, the court heard. He then pushed another member of staff Melanie Alexander's chest into a filing cabinet and kicked her. on the shin, which caused bruising Freeman pushed her chest-first into a filing cabinet before she fell to the ground.

One resident rushed to Miss Alexander’s aid and grabbed freeman, dragged Freeman to the ground but Freeman stamped on his head, sending him into an epileptic fit, which sparked a further five seizures.

He then threatened Miss Alexander with a shard of a broken plate before punching her in the head when she tried to answer the phone, as he feared it was the police. He also punched staff member Sarah Cable in the jaw, snatched her glasses, and ripped out a chunk of her hair.

When interviewed, Freeman said he did not recall everything that had happened.

Defending Freeman at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, Adam Feest said his client had significant mental health difficulties which affected his behaviour.

Freeman has since found accommodation in Trowbridge and is interacting well with staff and fellow residents, said Mr Feest.

Judge Keith Cutler described the attacks as a “very unpleasant and frightening”.

He said: “I hope that you understand clearly that you have got a temper that you have to control.” He said: “You have got to learn to cope with life," as it is not always as you expect all the time. adding: "You must not let care workers looking after you be subject to your violent outbursts. It is in your hands – — you’ve got to try harder.”

Freeman, who had previously admitted actual bodily harm and common assault, received a 12-month supervision order and a 12-month community order.