A schizophrenic man accused of hurling punches to the face of a wheelchair user was told by a magistrate that it was a “particularly cruel” attack.

Michael Sergeant, 23, of Brighton Road, Rhyl, received a twelve months community order with a thinking skills course, rehabilitation activity and 150 hours unpaid work. He must also pay £100 compensation to Christopher Shaw who was said to have blacked out momentarily and £60 to Shane Bradley.

Sergeant, on benefit, admitted assaulting both men in Rhyl High Street early on February 21 and has to pay £170 costs. “I feel sick for what I have done,” he told magistrates at Llandudno.

Prosecutor Diane Williams said it was an “unprovoked” attack and Sergeant’s previous suspended sentence for violence had just ended. Mr Bradley had been sitting on the ground and Mr Shaw in the wheelchair when the defendant approached.

Defence solicitor Gwyndaf Pari said Sergeant was originally from the West Midlands and had been a child in care.

Mr Pari said Sergeant hadn’t been taking his medication at the time of the assaults and problems with his mental health led to his behaviour. He was now back on medication. “Luckily there were no injuries,” the lawyer added.

The court heard Sergeant had been drinking and was returning home when he thought his victims were saying things to him.

Court chairman David Davies told the defendant: "This is a particularly cruel attack on two defenceless individuals. Both of them were vulnerable victims. One was in a wheelchair.

“We take a very dim view of your actions and hope you have significant remorse.”