Dale Pick, from Newfoundpool, stabbed Michael Doherty in the head and heart, eight days after he discharged himself from a psychiatric unit.

Pick, 36, formerly of Alma Road, admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was sentenced on Wednesday to an unlimited time in psychiatric care.

Leicester Crown Court heard he had been admitted to a psychiatric unit in July 2002 after threatening to stab his stepfather.

Despite reports that he was a danger to the public and had a history of violence, he was allowed to discharge himself two months later.

On 25 September Pick got into a row with a man and, when Michael Doherty tried to calm things down, Pick stabbed him eight times in an alleyway.

The Strategic Health Authority has extended its deepest sympathies to Mr Doherty's family and has agreed to their calls for an independent inquiry - the findings of which will be made public.