A man armed himself with an 8in kitchen knife and went outside because he thought mental health staff were spying on him.

Canterbury magistrates heard that police were called to the city's Spring Lane Estate after Mark Holland, 33, was seen pacing up and down Sussex Avenue in an agitated state.

Teresa Ruiz, prosecuting, said Holland told police that people were threatening him and he felt uncomfortable in his home.

“He felt like he was being monitored and watched by the mental health team,” she said.

“When pressed, he said he was going to go up to St Martin’s Hospital and tell them to get out of his life.”

Holland, who has previous convictions for harassment and criminal damage, admitted carrying a bladed article in public.

Phil Rowley, defending, said Holland had been diagnosed with bi-polar disoreder.

Mr Rowley told the court: “On the day in question, he became upset, but did nothing more than walk up and down the street in an agitated fashion.”

Holland was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on June 25.