Warning for computer expert who attacked Scientologist during stress test

A computer expert who attacked a Scientologist giving him a stress test has walked free – with a harsh warning to stay out of trouble.

Matthew Hickey was drunk when he flew into a rage at the Deansgate Scientology centre, Manchester magistrates heard.

Hickey, 26, grabbed Brandon Sadler by the tie and knocked him off his chair, leaving him bruised and smashing the

‘E-meter’ machine which was being used to test him.

Hickey was given a three-year conditional discharge after Manchester magistrates decided he had shown ‘immense remorse’.

Chairman of the bench Trevor Cunliffe told him: “This is very unusual. Hopefully young man, you are going to turn your life around.

“If you so much as sneeze in the next three years you will be back in court.”

Hickey, who lives on Deansgate, admitted common assault and criminal damage.

The court heard how he had a high-pressure, £50,000-a-year job. After spending the afternoon drinking, Hickey and his girlfriend went for a meal at Grill On The Alley, off Deansgate.

The couple had an argument and Hickey walked into the Scientology centre to ‘calm down’, said Sean Brady, prosecuting.

He began talking to the staff and decided to take an E-meter stress test – holding a device which measured his pulse, while Mr Sadler asked him questions.

But while he was being quizzed Hickey flew into a rage.

Mr Brady told the court that Hickey ‘suddenly stopped answering the questions’ and grabbed Mr Sadler by the tie. After a struggle, Mr Sadler hit his back on the windowsill.

Hickey wrote a letter of apology to the court and to the victim. He also told magistrates he had started receiving treatment with the local community alcohol team.

via Warning for computer expert who attacked Scientologist during stress test - Manchester Evening News.