A SCHIZOPHRENIC man from Lancaster chased and stabbed his father in the neck, a court has heard.

Shortly before the wounding Stephen Mustor's mum had locked herself in the bathroom, as he sought to get inside whilst wielding a weapon.

This week a judge made a hospital order under the Mental Health Act when the 40-year-old appeared at Preston Crown Court.

Mustor of Langdale Road pleaded guilty to an offence of unlawful wounding. His not guilty plea to wounding with intent was accepted by the prosecution.

Mr Dennis Watson, prosecuting, said the defendant lived with his parents and had been schizophrenic for seven or eight years. He had spent two years as a hospital inpatient.

Mustor was on permanent medication. He was said to be a heavy drinker and occasionally there had been rows between father and son. He had shown aggressive tendencies before but had never been violent.

The defendant had a recurring perception that gypsies were going to come and get him. His condition deteriorated in the middle of April.

There was an incident with his sister, who was also concerned about his condition. Mustor pulled at her hair and was aggressive towards her.

The father, Walter was then involved in a struggle with his son, with the defendant getting the better of the situation. Walter Mustor ended up going outside to shout for anyone to telephone the police.

His wife ran upstairs and locked herself in the bathroom. The defendant, who had a knife or scissors, banged on the door in an apparent attempt to get inside.

He went outside and pulled a kitchen knife from his pocket. The father fled, but was chased by the defendant who went on to stab him in the back of the neck.

Mr Watson said the dad spent two days in hospital, but there was no damage to any major blood vessels.

The defendant went on to tell police that his only intention had been to scare and mark him.

Judge Pamela Badley considered two medical reports on Mustor which recommended a hospital order. Defence barrister Mr Arthur Stuttard said that under such an order, Mustor would go to Ridge Lea Hospital and be placed under the care of medical staff. He would remain there until he was thought fit to be released into the community.

When he was arrested his family said he ought to be in hospital.

Mr Stuttard added: "It does look like there is some hope for the future."

The judge said Mustor had expressed some sorrow for what he did. In normal circumstances such an offence would mean that only a custodial sentence could be justified."

She said she was making a hospital order, based on the recommendations of the two doctors.