But he must reside at a hospital.

A 50-year-old man has appeared at Crown Court accused of using an axe to attack a police car during an incident in a country lane in East Devon.

Simon Birks did not enter a plea during the brief preliminary hearing before Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, at Exeter Crown Court.

Birks, of Sportley, Membury, near Axminster, faces three counts of having an offensive weapon at Stockland in April.

He is also charged with causing criminal damage to a police car and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to a police officer.

Birks was released on bail with a condition that he resides at the Langdon Hospital in Dawlish where he is being treated. His case was adjourned to a plea and case management hearing on October 2.