A PARANOID schizophrenic caught carrying a 10cm-long kitchen knife in Bradford has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Bailey Sowden, of no fixed address, was seen by a member of the public in Great Horton Road at 1am on September 5 last year wearing a balaclava and carrying a knife.

Prosecutor Verity Barnes said a police car was flagged down and officers approached Sowden, who tried to walk away but was apprehended after a short chase on foot. As they took hold of him, he dropped the knife. He was then arrested.

Sowden told police he was on his way to his grandmother’s. He had bought the knife the previous day and did not intend to hurt or threaten anyone with it.

The court heard that 23-year-old Sowden had a long list of previous convictions dating back to 2015 including several for carrying a knife.

Since being in custody he had been diagnosed as suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.

Dr Eleanor Watson said Sowden’s offending suggested there was a risk to others but that it was not clear whether it was linked to his mental illness.

She said since being admitted to Newton Lodge Medium Secure Unit in Wakefield there had been an episode she described as “quite chaotic and very psychotic” but agreed that Sowden’s response to treatment had been “broadly positive”.

Mitigating for Sowden, Jayne Beckett said he was willing to engage with treatment and assistance and argued against the imposition of a “draconian” Section 41 Mental Health Order.

Mr Recorder Simon Kealey KC told Sowden: “I am satisfied you are suffering from a mental disorder, namely paranoid schizophrenia.

“This disorder is of a nature which makes it appropriate for you to be detained in a hospital for medical treatment.

“The most suitable method of dealing with you is by way of making an order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act. You will be detained at Newton Lodge in Wakefield and made the subject of a hospital order.”