MENTALLY ill Chowdry Khan has been detained in hospital for an unspecified length of time after facing sentence for offences of violence and criminal damage.

Judge Christopher Tyrer ruled that Khan, 33, of Wycombe Road, Saunderton, was suffering from mental illness after hearing and studying medical evidence put before Aylesbury Crown Court on December 20.

He then made a Hospital Restriction Order under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act.

Khan had been committed for sentence by Wycombe magistrates on August 21 after pleading guilty to common assault, two charges of criminal damage and a breach of a conditional discharge.

Miss Jill Hurworth, prosecuting, said that Khan had gone to see a long-term friend, Miss Pauline Reader, in May.

But the court heard how Khan attempted to kick and punch Miss Reader before getting her in a headlock after she refused to give him a cigarette. Khan also kicked in a glass panel on her door.

Then on June 12, in another fit of rage, Khan smashed a window in his room with a chest of drawers at the Haleacre Unit, Amersham Hospital

Judge Tyrer said: "I am satisfied you are suffering from mental illness and that it is appropriate for you to be detained in hospital for the protection of the public from serious harm, and in your own interest that I should place a Restriction Order on you."