A FORMER soldier who assaulted a police officer at Carlisle’s railway station was struggling with PTSD linked to his Army service in Iraq, a court heard.

Russell Brookes, 41, told magistrates at the city's Rickergate court that he had been given no help for his poor mental health, which is linked to his wartime service and has included flashbacks and “constant nightmares.”

The defendant, currently living in Barrow, admitted assaulting an emergency worker – a British Transport police officer – on September 23.

Prosecutor Diane Jackson described what happened.

She said police were alerted because of concerns about the defendant’s welfare as he travelled by train to Carlisle. He was reported as commenting that he did "not deserve to live," said the prosecutor.

The police officer involved approached the defendant on the platform at the station, finding him standing unsteadily, with a drink in his hand. “He said he lived in Carlisle and wanted to go home,” said Miss Jackson.

“He was told that the police were concerned for his welfare but he said he did not need help and just wanted to go home. The officer wanted him to leave the station because of his “level of intoxication.”

When the officer tried to engage with Brookes, he said he just wanted to end his life. He declined the offer of help. A struggle developed after Brookes grabbed a handrail next to the station’s steps leading to the bridge over the tracks.

He refused to let go.

The officer believed Brookes was trying to headbutt him and tried to arrest him but the defendant then tried to throw punches. As he was being restrained, he repeatedly tried to bite the officer’s hand.

Though his teeth did connect, they left marks and only a small cut to the officer’s thumb.

From the dock of the court, the defendant told magistrates: “I had a mental breakdown. I don’t even remember leaving Carnforth Station.

“I’m sorry for my actions.”

He said  he had now been living in a supported community for 23 days, totally abstinent from alcohol. He continued: “My mental health is shot to bits. I’m constantly having nightmares and panic attacks.

“Since the war in Iraq 2003, I’ve never had any help for my mental health.” His substance misuse was an attempt to deal with the poor mental health, including the flashbacks and nightmares.

“When I hear a car backfire, I duck for cover,” he said, explaining that what happened in Iraq left him “really messed up.” “I self-medicate to cope with the difficulties,” he said, and he wanted to be the person he was previously.

“I want my life back,” he added.

Magistrates adjourned the case until November 20 so that background reports prepared by medical professionals can assess the defendant’s suitability for a secondary mental health treatment requirement.

The defendant’s usual address was given as Cross Street West, Colne, West Lancashire.

* Combat Stress provides help and advice for military veterans affected by their service. (Click the link to find out more).  The charity also operates a free helpline, whose number is 0800 1381619.