Desperate addict tried to attack Wakefield drugs worker with a chair over methadone prescription

Kristian Asprey had overdosed three times and had been hospitalised 24 hours before due to his use, but when staff at a drug-counselling service in Wakefield said they would be reduce his intake, he turned violent.

Leeds Crown Court was told that the 47-year-old had gone to Turning Point on March 27 for an assessment, but he was told they would be forced to reduce his methadone from 80mls a day. The synthetic liquid opioid is used to treat those addicted to heroin.

But Asprey became “agitated” and refused leave until they gave him the full dose, prosecutor Olivia Fraser said. He began to swear and become aggressive so the panic button was triggered.

Other workers tried to intervene and Asprey said he would “slash them all up”. He lifted a chair above his head and moved towards the female but was stopped and taken to the floor by other workers. He continued to try and lash out, then was able to get to his feet again and went towards the woman but was restrained for a second time.

He began sobbing and said he just wanted his methadone. When the police arrived he was arrested and began apologising. He later admitted two counts of common assault.

Asprey, of Emblem Terrace, Wakefield, has two previous convictions, including dealing in Class A drugs from earlier this year, for which he received a 24-month jail sentence, suspended for 24 months, along with rehabilitation days with an drug-rehabilitation requirement.

In mitigation, it was heard there was “clear remorse”, that he had been “battling” drug addiction for many years and the incident “stemmed” from his desperation to avoid returning to heroin.

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Judge Andrew Stubbs KC told Asprey: “You have been fighting drugs for a long time. The worse thing about this is that these people are trying to help you. They are in the firing line. It can’t happen again.

“I should be sending you to prison, the suspended sentence was meant to be your last chance. You have done a daft thing that you are ashamed of.”

Rather than trigger Asprey’s suspended sentence, he gave him 10 more rehabilitation days and warned him: “Do not come asking for another chance because you might not get one.”