Staffordshire murderer who attacked inmate moved to mental hospital used to house infamous killers
A murderer who attacked a fellow prisoner has been moved to a mental hospital that has housed some of the nation's most notorious criminals.
Michael Grocott, who was jailed for life in 2010, admitted wounding with intent after attacking inmate Keith Perkins at Stoke Heath Prison, Market Drayton.
The 42-year-old was moved to Ashworth Hospital in Merseyside after the incident, a mental facility which has housed criminals including Moors Murderer Ian Brady, Manchester killer Dale Cregan and Charles Salvador - considered one of the UK's most violent men.
Grocott was put behind bars for murdering 36-year-old Robert Freeman in Stoke-on-Trent thirteen years ago. He was ordered to serve a minimum term of 14 years in jail before his case could be reviewed for parole.
In 2015 he caused more than £45,000 worth of damage to a historic hospital in a rooftop protest. Grocott broke windows and clambered on to the roof of Norton House, a building at St George’s Hospital in Stafford, while getting treatment there.
The convicted murderer smashed roof tiles, throwing some at hospital staff and emergency services, ripped off leading and pulled down an aerial to cause more damage.
He later pleaded guilty to criminal damage and had his minimum term extended by nine months.
On Tuesday he appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court via video link from the hospital. He attacked his fellow inmate on December 2, 2021.
John Weate, for Grocott, asked for the sentence to be adjourned for mental health reports.
The case was adjourned to January 11 next year, and Grocott will remain in custody at the hospital.
