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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Geoffrey Bennett

Convicted Bristol burglar gets mental health help as judge wishes him luck

A Fishponds man who admitted burglary and assault has been handed mental health treatment.

Scott Collins helped himself to VHS cassette tapes and a bicycle from Oculus House flats in Lime Kiln Road, Bristol.

A month later he was abusive to a psychiatric nurse, Bristol Crown Court heard.

READ MORE: Burglars who targeted high value bikes are jailed

Collins, 40, of Staple Hill Road, pleaded guilty to burglary in February last year and assaulting an emergency worker in March last year.

The court heard he had had struggled with mental health difficulties and sentence was deferred from July last year until today (Monday, January 24).

Judge James Patrick said it was recognised Collins suffered from a long-standing psychiatric illness and it was was appropriate for him to receive hospital treatment.

Judge Patrick handed him a Hospital Order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act.

The judge told him: "You've not been very well over the last few months but it seems you are making some progress.

"Well done and good luck for the future."

Neil Treharne, prosecuting, told the court Collins stole VHS cassette tapes, with a sentimental value, from Oculus House before returning later and taking a bicycle worth £450.

The next month he was said to have tried to headbutt a community psychiatric nurse twice after being "difficult, rude and aggressive".

Collins told the judge: "I'm trying to get myself better."

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