By Anna Burdett

Last updated at 13:10, Saturday, 11 August 2012

A schizophrenic has been committed to hospital indefinitely after admitting carrying a fake gun and a carving knife in public.

Neil Townsley, of Scotch Street, Whitehaven, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court flanked by medical staff.

The 45-year-old was arrested on November 21 last year after a man saw him hide a knife under a car in High Street, Whitehaven.

The 12in carving knife was recovered by police and Townsley was arrested.

On December 10, he was arrested again after damaging the door and window of a flat in Peter Street. Police discovered he was carrying a fake pistol.

When he was placed in a cell, he spread excrement on the walls and on his face.

Townsley had been suffering from paranoia and feared for his safety after he stopped taking medication prescribed to maintain his mental stability.

He has 56 convictions for a variety of burglaries, thefts, assaults robbery and criminal damage, offences he began committing as a teenager.

The court heard from psychiatrist Doctor Matthew Appleyard who said Townsley was suffering from schizophrenia and was now being treated with anti-psychotic drugs at Ashworth Hospital in Merseyside.

Dr Appleyard said his patient had responded well and wanted to be committed to hospital.

Judge Peter Hughes said he would remain at Ashworth Hospital indefinitely under sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act.

He can use a legal route to have his committal to hospital reviewed at any time.

First published at 10:53, Saturday, 11 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk