A judge has ordered a gun fanatic with mental health problems to stay away from all kinds of firearms, including crossbows, even though he is not sure he has the power.

Peter Washtenko, 48, was yesterday made the subject of a guardianship order under the supervision of Bradford Social Services, but Judge Roger Scott was unclear about whether he could impose the firearms ban as a condition of the order.

Washtenko was charged with affray following an incident in February 2002 when he pointed a gun at a community psychiatric nurse and then barricaded himself in his own home.

He was said to have fired an air weapon during the incident and to have caused the police a great deal of anxiety.

But after a special hearing before a jury, Washtenko, of Cliffe Terrace, Keighley, was found not guilty of the charge on the grounds of insanity at the time.

Judge Scott said the problem with Washtenko was that he was living in the community on trust.

"The trust being that you take your medicine and do as you are asked by the mental health authorities, and on this occasion you were not taking your medicine,'' he said.

"What concerns me about you is that you have a hobby. That was the collection of guns, real or imitation.''

Although Washtenko's firearms licence was taken away many years ago, he was still able to get hold of air weapons and Judge Scott said he did not believe Washtenko when he said he would not get any in the future.

Bradford Crown Court heard that he suffered from manic depression. Judge Scott noted that although it did not effect him for long periods there would come a time when he might be a danger to other people or himself.

After reading reports from two psychiatrists, Judge Scott said they believed Washtenko was "stable'' and suitable for living in the community.

"I'm a little anxious about that but I will do as the professionals ask me, so I will make the guardianship order,'' he added.

As part of the order Washtenko will have to live and sleep at his home address and attend twice weekly meetings with a member of the Assertive Outreach Team.

He will also have to allow access to his home so that searches for weapons or any other matters connected with the order can be carried out.

Judge Scott said he was also imposing a ban in relation to firearms even though he may not have the power.

Under that condition Washtenko must not buy or borrow any firearm, air weapon or crossbow and he is also banned from going into any premises where such weapons are sold.