An intruder who was found with a knife in the grounds of a country estate near Ashburton has been sent to a mental hospital.

Jake Pottle, aged 20, was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic after being arrested with the knife at the 28-acre estate near his home in Ashburton.

Pottle, of Cooks Close, Ashburton, who is now being treated at the Langdon Hospital, Dawlish, admitted having a knife in a public place and was made subject to a Hospital Order by Recorder Mr Philip Mott, QC, at Exeter Crown Court.

He told him: ’I am satisfied from the evidence of two doctors you are suffering from a mental disorder of the nature and degree which warrants continued treatment.’

Gordon Richings, prosecuting, said police were called to the private land at Ashburton in November 2014 when the owner reported a suspicious man in her garden.

Officers recovered a six-inch kitchen knife from his rucksack which he said he carried to protect himself from former neighbours from South Molton who were trying to kill him for a multi-million pound inheritance.

He also said he had the knife to kill rabbits and foxes, which he planned to hunt down to give himself experience in stabbing.

Mr Richings said medical reports identified Pottle as posing a risk to others that could not be managed in the community.

Jeffrey Segan, mitigating, said Pottle is now receiving the treatment he needs for his delusional beliefs.