‘That’s the Mike Tyson in me’ – Bragging Royal Stoke patient bites security guard

Agitated Joseph Reynolds bit a hospital security guard – and later bragged to police, ‘That’s the Mike Tyson in me’.

The 35-year-old was taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital after taking a suspected overdose.

He asked to go outside for a vape but was told he would be moving rooms. He became agitated and punched a security officer in the jaw and face before biting his arm.

And he later made the Mike Tyson comment to police officers. It was a reference to the former world heavyweight boxing champion who bit opponent Evander Holyfield in a fight in 1997.

Now Reynolds has been handed a 12-month community order and must pay his victim £250 compensation at North Staffordshire Justice Centre.

Prosecutor Emma Thompson said the defendant was taken to hospital at 10.30pm on November 21 as it was suspected he had taken an overdose.

“He was waiting around the resuscitation area and, due to Covid concerns and potential transmissions, he was not meant to be doing that. Security were called to ensure he remained in his room,” said Ms Thompson.

“A security officer came to assist. The defendant asked if he could go out for a vape. He was told in 10 minutes he was being moved to another room. He became agitated and began swearing, saying, ‘Covid is bullshit’. He became aggressive and went up to the guard’s face and said, ‘Let me go’. He got in a fighting stance and said, ‘Are you going to fight’.

“The officer told him to stop. He said, ‘Do I need to call for extra help if you are not going to calm down’?

“The defendant said, ‘Yes’. He punched him to the right jaw and to the face a number of times. The officer managed to restrain Reynolds and shouted for help.

“Reynolds bit the officer on his left arm, through his jacket, causing immediate discomfort and pain. He continued to be aggressive.

“Police attended. The defendant said, ‘I punched him on the eye and bit him. That is the Mike Tyson in me’.”

In his police interview, the defendant said he had taken valium and alcohol.

The victim was left with a cut lip and a bite mark on his arm.

Reynolds, of Lakewood Grove, Etruria, pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

Colin Drew, mitigating, said it was a ‘complete and utter aberration’ for the defendant, who has no previous convictions.

He told the court: “There is no excuse for his conduct. When the incident happened, he was under the influence of alcohol and valium. Whether that was a cry for help I do not know. He seems to be a very lonely individual.

“Ironically, he has been a security guard himself and he has been assaulted himself.

“Why did he do it? He can’t really explain apart from he felt he was being antagonised. If he had been let out to go for a vape this might not have happened.

“His remarks on the way to the police station were untoward.

“He is genuinely remorseful for what happened.”

As part of the community order, Reynolds must complete a rehabilitation activity requirement for 20 days, a 12-month mental health treatment and 150 hours’ unpaid work.

He must also pay a £95 surcharge.