Leeds student stabbed in the back in random street attack as he walked to shops in Headlingley

Leeds Crown Court heard Matthew Warburton approached the 19-year-old victim from behind and inflicted the knife wound during the incident on October 14 this year.

Ayesha Smart, prosecuting, said the attack took place on St Michael's Lane around 8pm as the victim was walking home from a shop.

Ms Smart said the student felt a punch to his lower back and turned around to see his attacker holding a knife.

He then felt a hole in his coat and realised he was bleeding.

Warburton ran off and the victim went to his friend's house to get help.

His friend carried our first aid and rang an ambulance.

The court heard he continues to suffer from back pain and has been left with a scar.

Warburton was arrested after CCTV images of him were used in a social media appeal to trace the attacker.

The defendant was interviewed and initially denied being responsible for the attack, claiming it was a case of mistaken identity.

He pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and possession of a blade in puiblic

Warburton, 34, of Chapel Lane, Headingley, has previous convictions for wounding.

Psychiatrist Dr John Kent told the court that the defendant suffers from schizophrenia and had been assessed as suitable for treatment in a secure hospital.

Dr Kent told the court: "There is concern, partly because of the history here and the nature of his illness, that he remains dangerous."

Judge Neil Clark said he was minded to make a hospital under under the Mental Health Act so Warburton can be detained in a secure hospital.

The judge adjourned the case to await confirmation from NHS England that there is a hospital bed available for the defendant.

The judge told Warburton: "You were committing a random attack on a member of the public.

"You are an ongoing danger.

"I will make the order but need confirmation of a bed."