A SOUTHAMPTON drug addict, jailed indefinitely for attacking a friend with an axe at a Southampton hostel, was suffering from schizophrenia at the time.

Lee James Aitchison struck Lewis Holly and swung the weapon at him while wearing a cycling helmet and white cream – resembling a death mask – on his face.

The 39-year-old was jailed indefinitely for public protection at Southampton Crown Court in 2008 after he admitted wounding with intent, assault and having an offensive weapon.

However, after the extent of his mental illness was revealed, he has now been given a hospital order instead by judges sitting at London’s Criminal Appeal Court.

Aitchison will remain in a secure hospital, where he will receive treatment, until the Justice Secretary deems it safe for him to be released.

Mr Holly went downstairs at the hostel in Lodge Road after hearing a loud noise and knocked on Aitchison’s door in early 2008.

When Aitchison answered the door he was wearing the helmet and his face was covered in cream.

He picked up the 18-inch long axe and hit Mr Holly over the head with the blunt side of it, before swinging the blade at him.

The victim managed to run upstairs, but the blade caught him on his back and hands, causing cuts.

Aitchison walked out of the hostel, still swinging the axe, and was arrested by police soon after.

He later tried to headbutt a doctor while being examined in custody.

Aitchison, who had a number of previous convictions, was deemed ‘dangerous’ and handed the indefinite jail term.

But medical evidence was before the Appeal Court which revealed he was suffering from schizophrenia and had been since about 2002.

A psychiatrist who examined him said he was living in a ‘heavily abnormal world’ and was having auditory hallucinations.

The doctor said Aitchison’s illness was resistant to some medication and that, when severely ill, he posed a risk of serious violence to others.

He recommended that he be treated in a secure hospital, with a restriction order on his release – leaving it to the discretion of Justice Secretary, Michael Gove.

Allowing the appeal and replacing his original sentence with a hospital order, Lady Justice Sharp said the doctor’s recommendation should be followed.

Sitting with Mr Justice Edis and Judge Sarah Munro QC, she added: “We are also in no doubt that it is necessary and proportionate to accompany that with a restriction order.”