A 22-year-old man from Bath has been detained in hospital after stabbing his mother's boyfriend because he believed he was out to kill him.
Joseph Malcolm pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to wounding with intent and possessing a weapon.
The court heard that Malcolm was a paranoid schizophrenic, and believed his mother's boyfriend, a Mr Kingston, was out to kill him and his family.
Judge Ford said a combination of not taking his medication and using illicit drugs prompted him to act irrationally and attack his victim with a kitchen knife.
He sentenced him to be detained in hospital, with the hope that doctors could get his condition under control so he no longer posed a threat to members of the public.
Judge Ford said: "You are an intelligent man, and you do realise the seriousness of what you have done.
"You had failed to take your medication and were using illicit drugs, and this very dangerous combination came to a head in August.
"This could have been fatal, and the affect of the attack on your victim is grave.
"Your mental state at the time made you believe that he was a hitman who was trying to kill you and your family.
"I accept that you are severely remorseful for what you have done, and I hope that with the proper help you will be able to obtain a degree stability which will enable you to lead a normal life."
The court heard that back in August Mr Kingston had taken Malcolm to a pharmacy to collect his prescription.
While he waited outside he saw Malcolm coming towards him with a kitchen knife shouting 'Stay away from my f***ing mother.'
Malcolm stabbed him numerous times in his head, chest, shoulders and arm, before chasing him as he ran away.
Mr Kingston, who managed to walk to the Fairfield Park Health Centre for help, spent ten days in hospital and still suffers the effects of the attack, including flashbacks and being unable to work.
The court heard that Malcolm had a history of mental health problems, and had been prescribed medication to control it.
However he had not been taking it, which lead to him becoming paranoid and disillusioned.
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