Maintenance worker admits violent hospital rampage but denies attempted murder
Matteo Bottarelli is alleged to have chased co-workers with a digging tool at Central Middlesex Hospital.
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A maintenance worker has admitted going on a violent hospital rampage with a digging tool – but denied he tried to kill three colleagues.
Matteo Bottarelli, 44, is alleged to have chased co-workers with the mattock, a pickaxe-type implement, around the grounds of Central Middlesex Hospital in north-west London before stabbing one of them in the neck from behind.
A second man was later found collapsed with head injuries shortly after the incident, which saw the hospital evacuated on June 21.
Bottarelli, from Central Way in Brent, north-west London, was arrested by armed police outside the hospital and charged with attempted murder.
On Wednesday, Bottarelli pleaded guilty to the lesser offences of wounding Gideon Tesfay and Trevor McGuire with intent to cause them grievous bodily harm.
He also admitted affray by using or threatening unlawful violence to cause a person to fear for their safety and having an offensive weapon at Central Middlesex Hospital in Park Royal.
Bottarelli pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder Mr Tesfay, Mr McGuire and a third man, Mark Quigley.
An alternative charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Mr Quigley with intent was also denied by the defendant.
Bottarelli entered his pleas by video link from Wormwood Scrubs before Harrow Crown Court, sitting at the Old Bailey.
The prosecution indicated the pleas were not acceptable to the Crown and the defendant faces a trial of up to seven days from February 12 next year.
A further hearing was set for December 13 and Bottarelli was remanded into custody.
At the time of the incident, the Metropolitan Police said one man had injuries that were thought to be “life-changing” while another escaped with minor injuries.
The third alleged victim did not sustain any injuries during the incident.