Cardiff, Wales — A distressing assault at a hospital ward resulted in Joni Hartson, the son of renowned former footballer John Hartson, being sentenced to two years and six months in prison. The Cardiff Crown Court ruled on the appalling attack where Joni, 22, repeatedly punched a retired detective, inflicting severe injuries, including a brain bleed.
The incident unfolded on October 18, 2024, when both Hartson and the 67-year-old victim, a former royal protection officer named Dawn Lloyd, were patients at the Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli. Notably, Lloyd, suffering from an autoimmune condition that caused confusion, was an easy target in her vulnerable state, a fact that Hartson exploited by luring her to a secluded part of the hospital garden.
Chilling details disclosed in court revealed that Hartson struck Lloyd approximately 33 times. His unprompted aggression, captured on hospital security footage, showed Lloyd defensively raising her arms in a futile attempt to protect herself from the relentless blows.
Prosecutor Alex Orndal pointed out the targeted and calculated nature of the attack. During the assault, Hartson chillingly admitted to police his intent had been even more sinister, expressing a wish that he had killed Lloyd.
At the hearing, emotional testimonies painted a stark portrait of the consequences of the attack. According to her sister, Lloyd had led a commendable career, having served diligently in law enforcement for 17 years, including prestigious assignments with the royal protection team. Post-attack, however, Lloyd’s daily life had been marred by anxiety, a pervasive fear of loud noises, and difficulty forming coherent sentences.
Interim ward manager Hannah Cox remarked on the profound change in Lloyd’s demeanor, noting that she remained haunted by the trauma, evidenced by her expressing fears of being attacked again.
The court also heard of a subsequent incident where Hartson attacked a healthcare worker, further demonstrating his unpredictable behavior. Defense attorney Owen Williams described Hartson as battling depression and suicidal ideation at the time of the attack, hinting at hallucinations that might have influenced his actions.
Presiding Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke condemned Hartson’s actions, emphasizing the deliberate and predatory nature of his assault on a defenseless individual. Despite his struggles with mental health, the judge held him wholly accountable, underlining that his selection of Lloyd as a victim exploited her vulnerabilities.
This unsettling event brings to the forefront issues regarding security in medical institutions and the care for individuals suffering from mental health crises, sparking discussions about protective measures for vulnerable individuals in public healthcare settings.