'Berserk' man detained (From Gazette Series)

'Berserk' man detained

A MAN who claimed to be living wild in a woodland will be detained at hospital for psychiatric treatment, a judge has decided.

Simon Harris, 26, of Stroud, had pleaded guilty to affray after going "berserk" at the Warehouse nightclub in Dursley on May 21 and causing £910 worth of damage.

Kirsty Real, prosecuting, told Gloucester Crown Court Harris had been drinking and was outside the club and had been abusive to a doorman.

He then ran into the club and jumped over the bar before throwing a lava lamp at the barman and eight bottles at the entrance to the club.

It was claimed a bottle hit the landlady, causing a headache, and another man was also hit on the head with a bottle.

Harris was then restrained and removed from the premises by a number of doormen. "He said he was sorry and didn't know why he had done it," said Ms Real, who added Harris had a number of previous convictions including actual bodily harm, public order offences and criminal damage. She asked for an exclusion order to prevent him going to the Warehouse.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC told Harris: "If you had been well, I would have sent you to prison for this offence because it is quite clear that you went berserk.

"Normally the only explanation for this behaviour is drink or loss of temper but I have seen evidence from two doctors that says you are unwell and require treatment.

"You will be detained at Wotton Lawn within 28 days of this order for treatment.

"As and when you are well enough your position will be considered and those who are treating you will make the decision as to when you are allowed out."

Judge Tabor also made a two-year exclusion order preventing Harris from going to the Warehouse.