A 28-year-old man who stabbed his uncle in both eyes as he sat watching television is to be assessed at Rampton Hospital under the Mental Health Act.

A jury at Bradford Crown Court decided today that Steven Hodges had attacked 43-year-old Michael Robinson as he sat in the living room of his mum's home in Findon Terrace, Ravenscliffe, last June.

The jury made their ruling after Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC confirmed that Hodges was unfit to stand trial because of his psychiatric condition.

Prosecutor Ken Green described how Mr Robinson's mother Rose had gone outside to hang out some washing when Hodges, who was also visiting her, left the living room and went into the kitchen.

'Hodges returned a short time later and came to the rear of the armchair where Mr Robinson was sat watching television,'' said Mr Green.

'The defendant than attracted the attention of his uncle by saying I want a word with you uncle Mick.

'The complainant turned his head to look towards his nephew whereupon he was stabbed immediately by the knife. Twice in his right eye and once in the left eye."

Hodges was arrested later that day at his home in Easthorpe Court, Chapel Street, Eccleshill, and he told the arresting officer: "You're going to lock me up for stabbing my uncle in the eyes, aren't you?"

Hodges, who faced a charge of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, claimed that his uncle had "ripped him off" over £10 and he wanted to blind him so he wouldn't do it to anybody else.

After the jury concluded that Hodges had committed the act alleged against him Judge Durham Hall confirmed that he would be remanded in custody to await his transfer to Rampton Hospital.

The judge made an interim hospital order for three months, but it is expected that the assessment may take longer.

Hodges will have to come back to Bradford Crown Court within 12 months so that a final order can be made by the judge.