A SECURE hospital order has been imposed on a man who stabbed his own father after becoming aggressive at his family’s home.

Durham Crown Court heard that Craig Connor Ivey has been diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic, following examination by psychiatrists, who consider he poses a potential danger to the public, particularly if he fails to take his prescribed medication to control the condition.

The 27-year-old was arrested, following what was described as, “something of a stand-off”, in the wake of a stabbing at his parents’ home, in Chestnut Avenue, Shildon, County Durham, on Saturday, July 4 last year.

Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, told the court that both of Ivey’s parents are elderly and infirm.

Mr Sabiston said Ivey behaved in an intimidatory manner on arrival, picking up a kitchen knife and a kettle, which contained hot water.

Although his mother tried to intervene to calm her son, he attacked his father, stabbing him to the top of the shoulder, causing a wound, before thrusting the knife into a kitchen work top.

He then threw a coffee table and smashed a window as his frightened parents, and a visiting neighbour, looked on helplessly.

Mr Sabiston said although Ivey’s father suffered the injury to the shoulder, neither he, nor his wife wished to give evidence in the case against their son, but did express that he, “needed help”.

Following initial analysis, the defendant, of South Street, Shildon, who was accused of wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm, was not considered fit to plead.

But, following a trial, at the court, in December, a jury found that he, “did the act”.

Shaun Dryden, representing Ivey, told the court he has been remanded in custody at Holme House Prison, Stockton, until recent weeks, but due to his behaviour, he was transferred to Roseberry Park Hospital, a psychiatric unit, in Middlesbrough.

Mr Dryden said there was, “common ground”, in subsequent assessment by two psychiatrists, both who agreed that a hospital order is the correct disposal.

Giving evidence to the court, Dr David Burke, senior registrar in forensic psychiatry, concluded Ivey should be detained in a secure psychiatric unit.

He said he appeared to suffer, “persecutory delusions”, and diagnosed him having paranoid schizophrenia.

Judge Simon Hickey said although there may have been, “no long term damage” to Ivey’s father, he had to consider the safety of the public, and, therefore, agreed to pass the secure hospital order, “without limit of time”.

The court was told there is a suitable place for the defendant at Roseberry Park.