It’s an early start as I am due to give evidence in Sheffield Crown Court. I’ve been asked to be there by 9am. I leave my house at 6am as I don’t want to risk being late. The traffic is terrible, but luckily I arrive on time. I sit outside Court 3 and wait for the barrister to arrive. He arrives and we discuss the case.
The defendant is a man in his early twenties charged with GBH. He has a history of drug induced psychosis and personality disorder. After a period of assessment in hospital under Section 48 I am of the opinion that he has paranoid schizophrenia. His mental state improved sufficiently on antipsychotic medication to render him fit to plead.
He has already pleaded guilty and I am giving oral evidence for a hospital order with a restriction order. Unfortunately the required anticipated second report has not been submitted and the case is adjourned for six weeks.
I drive back to my NHS base. I check my emails and go through the pile of paperwork that has accrued on my desk. I go to the wards, where I review some of my ward patients and see my patients in seclusion. I ‘check in’ with the nursing staff to make sure there are no outstanding jobs / issues that need sorting out.
Back in my office I correct two reports that my PA has typed and write up my clinical notes for the day. I leave on time at 5pm. I take a file home with me as I’m seeing a man in prison tomorrow to assess his fitness to plead which I’ll read after dinner.