Hospital set death-threat patient free to stab his social worker

He was released from hospital anyway – and then he tried to murder her.

Medics had discharged Graham Burton after deciding he was just frustrated and did not really intend to harm the woman.

But two days later, he stabbed mother-of-three Claire Selwood six times, leaving the knife sticking in her back.

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The 37-year-old lost five litres of blood and almost bled to death. The blade narrowly missed an artery but nicked a major nerve, permanently damaging Miss Selwood's mobility.

Today, Burton, 40, was jailed indefinitely. And the NHS trust responsible for his treatment launched an inquiry into the case.

The 40-year-old from Murton, County Durham, had pleaded guilty to attempted murder at an earlier hearing.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Judge John Milford said: "You attacked Miss Selwood with a substantial knife which you had taken from your home for that specific purpose.

"Her life as a young working mother has been devastated by what you did to her."

The judge ruled that he must serve a minimum of 11 years and eight months before he can be considered for parole.

Burton was a patient at Cherry Knowle Hospital, Sunderland, where he was being treated for depression and post-traumatic-stress disorder.

In October, he told doctors he would "kill" Miss Selwood, from Chester-le-Street, if she attended a meeting at the hospital. But they felt it was an expression of his frustration, rather than a real intent to harm the Durham County Council worker, Anne Richardson, prosecuting, told the court.

Burton was allowed home after being given appropriate medication.

But two days later, he attacked Miss Selwood with a kitchen knife as she prepared for a morning meeting at a local school, stabbing her in the arm, breast and back.

Miss Richardson told the court: "Without warning, she felt a blow to her neck. She felt she had been hit in the back.

"Someone told her she had a knife in her back. She felt a funny feeling in her left leg and fell to the floor."

Miss Selwood was taken to Hartlepool General Hospital with the knife sticking in her back. "It took the surgeon and three others to remove the blade as it was so deeply embedded, Miss Richardson added.

"This has affected every facet of her life – physically, psychologically, emotionally and financially. This is a job this young woman loved and it is unlikely she will ever return."

Judge Milford did not criticise doctors for releasing Burton. He said: "I don't think it is fair to lay the blame at the doors of others. There must be much wild talk in the course of their work."

Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust said Burton's treatment was now under review. A spokesman said: "This has been a very sad and traumatic event and the trust wishes to extend its sympathies to Claire Selwood and her family.

"An internal review into this case is currently being carried out and the findings of this, along with any recommendations, will be passed to the Strategic Health Authority.

"The Authority will then decide whether an independent inquiry is required."