Ruth Tagg sent offensive T-shirts to Ken Dodd's partner

Ruth Tagg, 35, of St John's Crescent, Bedminster, Bristol, has admitted posting burning rags through the comedian's door, and sending his long-term partner a dead rat and other abusive mail.

In a report by Dr Jacqueline Short, Tagg was described as having a major psychiatric mental illness and complex personality disorder, amounting to a psychopathic disorder.

Mr Justice Michael Morland, sitting at Winchester Crown Court, extended an interim hospital order on her until 26 August after hearing she would benefit from a full psychiatric assessment.

The judge adjourned the case until 26 August at Bristol Crown Court for a further extension to the interim hospital order.

Arson and harassment

Tagg pleaded guilty to arson and harassment at Preston Crown Court on 4 March this year.

At that hearing, the court was told Tagg bombarded Mr Dodd with letters, cards and indecent photographs, all of which were opened by his long-term partner Anne Jones.

She also sent a dead rat and T-shirts bearing offensive messages to Miss Jones, whom Tagg saw as a rival for Mr Dodd's affection.

She sent the items between July 2001 and May 2002, during which time she also attended the entertainer's performances and sat in prominent positions.

In October 2001, Tagg pushed burning rags through the letter box of Mr Dodd's Liverpool home, causing �11,000 damage. No-one was in the house at the time.