Man's threat to torture mother

A Kidderminster man suffering from mental problems threatened to tie up and torture his 69-year-old mother, a court was told.

Daniel Marshall put string around his victim's arm before she suffered an asthma attack.

He told her "Satan was her best friend", said Mr William Rickarby, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court.

The 33-year-old produced a knife which left Doreen Marshall with minor cuts to a hand and leg during a struggle.

Mrs Marshall, who lived in sheltered accommodation in Stourport, was panic-stricken but neighbours disturbed by the noisy incident alerted a warden and police were called.

Marshall, a paranoid schizophrenic, of Canterbury Road, Habberley estate, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

Judge Andrew Geddes detained him indefinitely under a hospital order.

The defendant, who had been ill for more than 10 years, had been staying at his mother's home.

On July 6 he became aggressive and threatened to strangle the pensioner.

Miss Abigail Nixon, defending, said two reports by psychiatrists recommended he be detained for treatment.