Patient freed to attack again

A violent schizophrenic indecently assaulted two pensioners after being released into the community less than a year after a court ordered he should be held indefinitely in a psychiatric hospital.

Nelson Anya, 37, described as "a danger to the public in general and women in particular", was sent to a secure psychiatric unit by an Old Bailey judge yesterday, again with instructions that he must he held "without limit of time". Judge Beaumont said: "It goes without saying ... the public expect great care to be taken. He ... will not be allowed into the community until a mental health review tribunal has considered his case."

Anya admitted assaulting the women, one 65, the other 70, near or in their homes in north-west London on two separate occasions.

At the time of both offences, Anya had failed to attend outpatient hospital appointments and take his medication, the court heard. In September 1991 he was detained under the Mental Health Act, with a Section 41 restriction that he should be held indefinitely. However, he was released in July of the following year. Some time later he complained of hallucinations and was given medication which kept him stable until he began missing the hospital appointments.