🔴 HOSPITAL BLOODBATH: PATIENT JAILED 28 YEARS FOR TRYING TO KILL NURSE
Millimetres from death: Veteran Royal Oldham nurse stabbed in neck after patient denied methadone, as Oldham man jailed 28 years for attempted murder at crown court.
A patient who stabbed a nurse in the neck, head and wrist at Royal Oldham Hospital has been sentenced to 28 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of attempted murder at Minshull Street Crown Court.
Romon Haque, 38, of Yasmin Gardens, Oldham, had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and was found guilty by a jury of attempted murder following a trial last year. On Wednesday 11 February 2026 he was handed an extended sentence of 28 years, comprising 22 years’ custody and a further six years on licence for public protection.
The court heard that the attack took place at approximately 11.30pm on 11 January 2025. Haque, who was a patient at the hospital and withdrawing from drugs and alcohol, had asked nurse Acheema Cherian, 57, for methadone. When she informed him she would attend to him shortly and declined to provide the medication at that time, he left his bed, approached her from behind and produced a pair of hospital scissors which he had obtained within the premises and concealed on his person.
He stabbed Mrs Cherian three times, inflicting wounds to her neck, head and wrist. Prosecuting, Nicholas Rhodes KC told the sentencing hearing that one of the wounds “nicked” the jugular vein. He submitted: “We submit that while the injuries themselves were not immediately life threatening, these were serious injuries which could easily, by a millimetre or so, have brought about the death of the victim.”
Mrs Cherian was given urgent medical treatment at the scene before being transferred to intensive care. A security officer who responded described the area as resembling a “bloodbath”. Members of staff intervened and restrained Haque, preventing further injury.
The court was told the attack was carried out in what the prosecution described as “revenge” after his request for methadone was refused as the nurse was dealing with another patient. Haque was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged. Following an initial court appearance he was assessed and deemed fit to stand trial.
After a trial in June and July 2025, a jury convicted him of attempted murder. He had already admitted possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Passing sentence, the judge imposed an extended sentence for public protection, meaning Haque must serve at least two-thirds of the 22-year custodial term before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board. If released, he will remain subject to licence conditions for a further six years and may be recalled to prison if he breaches them.
The court heard that Mrs Cherian, who has worked at the Royal Oldham Hospital for two decades, has since returned to her duties, although the prosecution indicated she has found doing so difficult following the incident.
In a statement issued after the case, Detective Sergeant Jennifer O’Brien of Greater Manchester Police said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a woman who was simply doing her job for those in need in a hospital. I want to commend the bravery of those who intervened and prevented the situation from potentially being much more serious.”
Haque will remain in custody serving the custodial element of his sentence before any application for release is considered by the Parole Board in accordance with the statutory framework governing extended sentences.
