A PSYCHIATRIC patient who was prosecuted for assaulting and harassing a health worker told police he committed the offences because he had fallen in love with his victim.

Michael Slack, 48, admitted the offences during a brief appearance at Carlisle’s magistrates’ court.

Julie Hansel, prosecuting, said the defendant was being detained under the Mental Health Act as a patient at the Carleton Clinic in Carlisle when the offences were committed. He had been in the clinic for eight weeks.

“Throughout that period, he had been showing an inappropriate amount of attention to the victim,” said the prosecutor.

He had tried to hold her hand and was seen staring through windows at her.

He shouted at other patients, and accused his victim of having a relationship with one.

“On October 31 last year, he threw and smashed chairs,” said Mrs Hansel. He accused his victim of “snogging” a patient, and then threw the chair, which narrowly missed the woman before smashing against a wall.

The prosecutor added: “He said he was angry at the time; he believed this woman was being unfaithful. He must have upset this lady. He told the police officers he feels these things because he is in love with this lady.”

For the last few weeks, the court heard, the worker had been left feeling uncomfortable as a result of the defendant’s behaviour.

She had felt obliged to move to a different ward, and had got behind with her studies, and felt in fear of Slack.

Rachel Ottley, for the defendant, said he had been cared for in different psychiatric units since he was 18 years old.

He recently returned from a secure unit in London and the set up at the Carlisle clinic was different to what he was used to. “But he doesn’t seek to excuse his behaviour,” said the lawyer. “He is likely to be there for some considerable time. Great progress has been made with Mr Slack.

“He is doing very well compared to how he was.” Magistrates imposed a £300 fine, with a £30 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

The chairman of the bench told the defendant: “We’ve heard that you scared her. Not only is that non acceptable; I am sure that it’s something you’d rather you were not doing. You need to be very careful about your feelings when you come across her.

“You must make sure that your behaviour is appropriate.”