AN armed supermarket robber has been assessed as having a mental disorder and is being transferred from prison to a hospital for assessment. 

James Richardson, 37, of West Bank Close, Keighley, was due to be sentenced last week for robbing staff at the Co-op on Broomhill Avenue in Keighley in November last year. 

His case was adjourned for a week and today he again appeared before Bradford Crown Court on a video link to HMP Leeds. 

Recorder Ian Mullarkey said Richardson was suffering from a mental disorder and will be moved from the prison to Newton Lodge Hospital at Wakefield for an initial 28 days. 

Richardson was charged with robbery, possession of an offensive weapon - namely a knife - and possession of an imitation firearm with intent following the violent incident at the supermarket. 

The case will be relisted on November 10 at 2pm. 

The order was made under Section 35 of the Mental Health Act which entails a medical professional writing a report about Richardson’s mental health and recommending what the court should do to dispose of the case.