Paragraph 9 & 10 read: "Claire Moran, in mitigation, said Smith had been suffering from severe anxiety and depression after being laid off from his job as a labourer and was often unable to leave his bedroom for weeks at a time."

"After overdosing on medication prescribed by his doctor he began drinking and on the night of the attack was overcome by a 'flight or fight reaction' which caused him to lash out."

SSRI Stories Note: The Physicians Desk Reference states that antidepressants can cause a craving for alcohol and alcohol abuse. Also, the liver cannot metabolize the antidepressant and the alcohol simultaneously, thus leading to higher levels of both alcohol and the antidepressant in the human body.

http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Man-punched-shop-worker-given-18-months-prison/article-1161890-detail/article.html

Man who punched shop worker given 18 months in prison

Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 07:30

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A DERBY man who punched a shop worker in the face, leaving him with a broken nose and cheekbone, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Andrew Smith attacked shop assistant Benjamin Davies at the Plonkers off-licence, in Brick Street, after entering the shop with a group of friends in March.

Derby Crown Court heard the unprovoked attack happened after one of the group was stopped from buying alcohol because he failed to produce proof of age. He then attempted to steal a bottle of alcohol.

As Mr Davies tried to stop him, Smith, 20, shouldered his way through the group and punched Mr Davies several times on the left of his face.

Smith, of Winster Road, Chaddesden, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

James Allen, prosecuting, described the damage Smith had caused Mr Davies.

He said: "His left cheekbone was flattened and he underwent an operation to have the cheekbone raised. He had his nose realigned at the same time.

"He suffered nerve damage and it will probably be 18 months before the sensation returns to the whole of his face."

Claire Moran, in mitigation, said Smith had been suffering from severe anxiety and depression after being laid off from his job as a labourer and was often unable to leave his bedroom for weeks at a time.

After overdosing on medication prescribed by his doctor he began drinking and on the night of the attack was overcome by a "flight or fight reaction" which caused him to lash out.

Miss Moran said: "When the defendant entered the shop he had no intention other than to buy his alcohol.

"He tried to leave the shop and could see Mr Davies blocking his way. He didn't know if he worked there or not and the reason he felt threatened was because of his paranoia.

"He did not think, just responded to what he believed to be a threat. This was not a premeditated offence."

Recorder Richard Swain said the seriousness of the offence left him with no option but to impose a custodial sentence.

He said: "You are a young man who is unable to control your temper. You act and react rather than thinking about the consequences."

Plonkers owner Leigh Wilkinson said he was pleased Smith had been sent to prison.

He said: "Ben was off work for about six weeks and still suffers side effects to this day.

"The panic alarm used on the night was very effective but we've also introduced other measures such as having security guards and putting up pictures of suspected shoplifters caught on CCTV.

"It's definitely having an impact and we've seen a big drop in thefts in recent months."