A mentally ill man who painted the word ‘S**T’ with his own poo on a hospital wall has been jailed ‘because the Probation Service refuses to work with him’, a court heard. Leon Watson-James, 41, told police he smeared the naughty word because ‘it was fun’ during a visit to the Whittington Hospital in Archway on June 23, Highbury Corner Magistrates heard on Wednesday (July 30).
Watson-James, who has a number of diagnoses including schizophrenia and anti-social personality disorder, has been in and out of prison repeatedly, but appeared in court this week without a mental health report. Prison releases have seen him immediately chased for drug debts, including a kidnapping and the emptying of his bank account, according to his solicitor-advocate.
Defence counsel Marcello Zoccarato also accused the Probation Service of ‘turning their back’ on his client, while ‘the taxpayer picks up the bill’ for his repeat offending. “What mitigation can I give if probation have turned around and said ‘Custody’?” asked Mr Zoccarato of EBR Attridge LLP, “All I can say is he’s been in prison for two months. Please give as lenient a sentence as possible.”
Watson-James’ most recent string of offending started with shoplifting in Wood Green high street on June 6 when he stole two bottles of wine from Savers. When he returned the next day and staff tried to chuck him out, he threw two candles at the floor worth £10 each. He later returned to the area to steal a £16 toolbox, dental products, and £200 worth of jumpers from JD Sports.
When Watson-James was arrested for theft, he performed a ‘dirty protest’ at his cell door. After his release from custody, Watson-James went to his dad’s address and threatened to put a screwdriver in his own neck before swinging a corded drill around his head. He then stole his dad’s front gate and threatened to burn his house down. The Whittington incident led to his latest remand.
But the judge took little pity on Watson-James’ poor mental health, reminding him he had failed to turn up to an assessment for a drug rehabilitation requirement. “Probation have outlined they can’t work with you. You keep coming out of prison, then keep going back in a couple of days. It might be there are undiagnosed mental health, but I do not have a mental health report,” she said.
Jailing Watson-James for 12-weeks for offences including theft, criminal damage, and abuse of a police constable, the judge added: “You need to decide at some point in your life that you are going to agree to get help. The help that has been on offer previously, but you have not taken up.” The defendant must also pay £100 to his dad for the garden gate, and £87 to the hospital.
Got a tip, a court date, or some gossip? Please email [email protected] or WhatsApp 07580255582.
Don’t miss out on the latest crime stories from across London. Sign up to MyLondon’s Court & Crime newsletter HERE.
