Attacker 'should be in hospital'

A judge has apologised to a mentally ill woman held in prison for almost a year because no hospital beds are available.

Lisa Johnson, 32, has been in custody since last July, after she attacked an eight-year-old boy with a claw hammer near her home.

Ms Johnson, of Horley, Surrey, claimed "Mafia voices" made her do it.

She admitted causing grievous bodily harm at a hearing in early February.

The court heard then that she needed treatment urgently for mental health problems.

Judge Jeremy Roberts, QC, at the Old Bailey, adjourned her sentencing until Friday.

He asked the Department of Health to try harder to find her an appropriate place in the South East.