A SOCIAL worker was attacked by a client wielding a jar of salsa dip, a court heard yesterday.

Harrogate magistrates were told how Carl Ramsden, who worked with the Craven, Harrogate and Rural District Primary Care Trust's outreach team, had called at the home of Jonathan Fieldhouse, in King Edward's Drive, Harrogate. Stephanie Waite, prosecuting, said the meeting had been set up to discuss drugs issues and Fieldhouse's mental health.

When Fieldhouse, 25, answered the door, he had been calm but, as the discussion turned to his state of mind and his medication, Fieldhouse jumped out of his chair and glared at Mr Ramsden.

Mrs Waite said Fieldhouse, who had no criminal convictions, picked up a jar of salsa dip from the chair arm, crossed the room and used the jar to hit Mr Ramsden on his head and in his face.

When Mr Ramsden saw Fieldhouse "coming for him again", he managed to grab hold of him and pull him to the floor where he was restrained until police arrived.

Mrs Waite said Fieldhouse had been taken to Harrogate police station and in the custody suite had told officers: "I have to kill him. I'm going to kill the bastard."

When Fieldhouse pleaded guilty to assault, he was remanded in custody until tomorrow when he is expected to be sentenced.