Judge lashes mental health system

Judge Raymond Bennett was looking for treatment for Mohammed Latif, 21, who had been waiting seven months to know his fate.

Burnley Crown Court had been told how Calderstones hospital, Whalley, which had provided reports on Latif's mental health impairment, had the expertise to treat him as an outpatient, but not the cash.

A psychologist at Burnley General Hospital felt she was not qualified in the forensic aspect of Latif's case. Judge Bennett said he had left a message with the Home Office Mental Health Unit after "surprise, surprise," not getting an answer.

He had spoken to a senior staff member at the North West Mental Health Unit who had promised to make inquiries -- but would not have any results for another two weeks.

The judge, who has adjoured the case several times since the end the trial in April said it was "most unsatisfactory," and he had to put off sentencing again until November 22.

Latif, of Sackville Street, Brierfield, had previously been found unfit to plead by a jury but it was found he did the act complained of -- an indecent assault on a young girl.

Judge Bennett said he could either order the defendant be admitted to hospital, but he needed medical support for that and that had not been forthcoming, or make a guardianship or supervision and treatment order.

The latter was the most appropriate, Social Services were prepared to play their part, but the treatment element had not been sorted out.

Jon Coldwell, Consultant in Forensic Pyschology and head of Pyschological Services at Calderstones said most of the specialist treatment Latif needed was psychological.

The hospital had the skills and expertise but not the funding while the community-based pyschologist felt the forensic aspect of Latif's case was not in her remit.

Mr Coldwell said it was a "funding dilemma," and he had been arguing since 1993 that such resources were urgently needed in the North West Region.