A former soldier who held a knife to a man’s throat has been detained under the mental health act.

Anthony Paul Quinn left small cuts on the victim’s throat and lashed out at a police officer ‘catching him’ with the weapon during the incident in Accrington, a court heard.

And when police attended Lydia Street, Quinn retreated into a house and threw objects at officers, including a mirror, before climbing onto a window ledge.

Quinn, 53, was detained under the Mental Health Act after Burnley Crown Court heard he suffers from a ‘delusional disorder’.

Addressing Judge Beverley Lunt from the dock, Quinn said he had acted ‘out of conscience’.

He said: “It’s the first time I have ever physically injured someone in my life.

“I would also like to say I’m very sorry for the trouble I caused the police and the mental health team.”

Alex Rostron, defending, said there were reasons behind Quinn’s actions on January 20.

He said: “This is not a man who has gone out and assaulted a random member of the public.

“There are allegations that this defendant works as a mercenary. He is not a mercenary.”

Quinn, of Lydia Street, Accrington, admitted assault, common assault and having an offensive weapon in public.

Detaining him under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, Judge Lunt said a hospital order was the most suitable action.

She said: “He has a real problem with this man, but unfortunately the problem escalated and he held a knife to the man’s throat, causing very very small cuts to his throat.

“I’m quite satisfied it’s in Mr Quinn’s best interest and the interest of the public not to delay [sentencing] any further.”