'RISK' ATTACKER IS SPARED JAIL.

Byline: By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

A CONVICTED robber who spent more than six years in a mental hospital has been freed after reports said there was nothing wrong with him.

Brian Mains walked free from court despite concerns in reports that he could be a "significant danger to members of the public".

The 26-year-old felt that little progress was made in the six-and-a-half years he was treated in St Luke's Hospital in Middlesbrough.

A pre-sentence report said there was nothing wrong with him and forensic psychiatrist Dr Rajesh Nadkarni discharged him saying there was nothing else they could do and that Mains was not in need of psychiatric assessment.

Mains was detained under the Mental Health Act for crimes of robbery and theft in 2003.

He was at Teesside Crown Court yesterday after admitting attacks on staff and fellow inpatients in July and August last year.

The methadone user was taken to A & E by staff who thought he was withdrawing from heroin. He was upset when he was released by doctors who said there was nothing wrong.

He tried to open the van door en route back to St Luke's. When a nursing assistant took hold of him, Mains lunged at him with a razor blade, cutting a finger and causing a bleeding lip and a loosened tooth. Two other staff members jumped in to restrain him.

Days later in the hospital, after demanding cigarettes and medication, he threw a chair and hit another member of the nursing staff. He later damaged a window at the hospital.

Finally he punched, kicked and stamped on another patient. Staff could not get involved and had to wait for a special response team to arrive. Mains was taken away threatening to kill and paralyse the bruised victim.

Mains, of Horden Road, Billingham, admitted charges of assaults, having a bladed article and criminal damage.

Nigel Soppitt, defending, said Mains' offending came from frustration and resentment.

He said doctors and psychiatrists could not clearly explain to Mains what he was in the institution for, or how long he would be there, and his anger turned onto staff and patients.

"Bearing in mind his low IQ, he simply couldn't understand why he was being held for this lengthy period of time," added Mr Soppitt.

Mains said he was provoked by the patient he attacked after a series of arguments.

Mr Soppitt said Mains was sorry, expressed remorse and had "not put a foot wrong" while on bail for the last six months, proving he was rehabilitated and could live in society.

His mother Sandra Mains gave evidence, saying: "He's been fine. Sometimes he can be a bit of a pain in the head, but he's doing OK."

Judge George Moorhouse said the offences justified a custodial sentence. He said: "I've read the pre-sentence report about you. I've read the psychiatric report which says there's nothing wrong with you.

"In the last six months you seem to have behaved. Your mother speaks highly of you. You have the respect to look after her, help her."

Mains replied: "I will if I get the chance, Your Honour." The judge passed a nine-month prison sentence suspended for two years with supervision and a drug rehabilitation.