A Maidstone man was suffering from a psychotic episode when he attacked his mother, a court has heard.

Patrick Matthews had also taken a variety of drugs including cocaine, ketamine, amphetamine and cannabis, a barrister has revealed.

Now a judge at Maidstone Crown Court has ordered a psychiatric investigation after Matthews had admitted trying to murder his mother in Maidstone.

Matthews was arrested last year after an incident above the Traga Laundrette at the junction of Tonbridge Road and Terminus Road.

The 42-year-old - who spoke only to confirm his name today - was due to be sentenced earlier this year but that was delayed, partially because of Covid-19 restrictions on court time.

But after two reports from psychiatrists, Judge Philip St John-Stevens has now issued an Interim Hospital Order for experts to find out if Matthews is suffering from a mental illness.

Prosecutor Peter Forbes explained that Matthews pleaded guilty on February 21 this year to attempting to murder his mother, Anna, in January last year.

"Sentencing was initially fixed for April 17 but was further adjourned," he said.

"It is clear at the time of this offence he was suffering a psychotic episode, however, toxicology evidence indicated the presence of cocaine, ketamine, amphetamine and cannabis."

The prosecutor said the delay in sentencing had caused Matthews' family distress and the Crown Prosecution Service had requested a "priority listing".

The judge said: "The court is accutely aware of the obvious distress for the victim's family of not knowing what the outcome is."

He added that it was "imperative" the court had the correct diagnosis on Matthews' mental health before proceeding to sentence.

The hearing was adjourned until December 18.

Armed police had been called to a flat above Traga Launderette in Barming on January 15.

Bearded Matthews, of Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, was later arrested and his mother taken to a London hospital and treated for injuries.

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