A NEW Forest man brought an axe with him to a community health team unit to back up a complaint David Woodland, 43, did not have an appointment and waited – with the weapon on his lap – poised but clearly agitated Prosecutor Charles Cochand said Woodland also produced a rope from his bag, which was taken away from him amid fears he might injure himself.

Other visitors to the New Milton centre were moved away and the police called.

Woodland, of Broomhill Cottages, East End, near Lymington, admitted possessing an offensive weapon and was sent to a special hospital for a minimum of six months after psychistrist Guy Powell said he was suffering from paranoid delusions.

“He has been responding well to treatment and has been co-operative.”

Judge Patrick Hooton told Woodland he had obviously been unhappy and unwell. “l am making this order so you can receive treatment, get better and lead a normal life. This was a very frightening thing to have done. I hope you won’t do it again.”

Woodland replied: “I won't”

Denise Saunders, defending at Southampton Crown Court, said it was a cry for help from a man who felt isolated and had been struggling for more than two years.

She said the defendant was accepted as a voluntary patient at the hospital the day after the incident.

"He wasn't aggressive and sat down quickly, quietly for the police to arrive. He has now made great strides,” she said.