7:00pm Tuesday 7th September 2010
A MENTALLY ill man who terrorised his mother and threatened to slit her throat has been detained in hospital.
Burnley Crown Court heard how Steven Rowley, 20, had pointed a large knife at the victim Deborah Lumb and told her: "I'm going to kill you. Look at what you are making me do. I am going to kill you."
His mother fled from her house in Accrington and when police arrived they found her crying and shaking in a state of extreme distress.
Rowley was arrested and questioned, accepted he had had a knife, but claimed he wasn't going to hurt the victim.
The defendent, of no fixed address, admitted affray last May 5.
Rowley said to have a psychotic disorder, was given a hospital order without restriction, under the Mental Health Act.
Judge Jonathan Gibson told him: "Other means of dealing with you are far less appropriate. Doctors don't recommend a community or a prison sentence."
Sarah Statham, prosecuting, told the hearing the defendant's mother had been having problems with him for some time. She had been concerned about his mental health, and had tried to get him treatment but he had refused help.
A few days before the offence he had been very aggressive, had rattled the kitchen knife drawer and threatened to slash her throat. She was so scared she agreed to go and get him some alcohol and she then left and went to stay with her partner for a few days.
John Woodward, for Rowley, said: "It's imperative this young man gets some help. He is currently getting some help at Guild Lodge and seems to be doing quite well there."
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