A JUDGE has authorised the continued detention in a psychiatric hospital of a man accused of killing a holidaymaker with a bayonet in Sidmouth.

A judge has authorised the continued detention in a psychiatric hospital of a man accused of killing a holidaymaker with a bayonet.

Nicholas Jamieson, aged 41, of Old Fore Street, Sidmouth, is currently being treated at Langdon Hospital in Dawlish and was not well enough to attend a hearing at Exeter Crown Court.

Jamieson is accused of the murder of Brian Kemp, a 71-year-old tourist who was in Devon on holiday from Nottingham in September when he was allegedly attacked with a bayonet in a Sidmouth pub.

He has not yet been asked to plead.

Mr Simon Laws, QC, prosecuting and Mr Michael Fitton, QC, defending, both told Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, more time is needed for psychiatric assessments before the case can progress.

Mr Fitton said it is hoped that psychiatric reports will be available at the next hearing which may enable the case to be resolved.

Judge Gilbert extended custody time limits to the end of May and said the case should be brought back to court before then.

The law requires a Judge to approve any detention in custody before trial of more than six months.

Jamieson is theoretically remanded in custody, even though he has been transferred from prison to Langdon under section 48 of the Mental Health Act.