A 19-YEAR-OLD who stabbed a man in the head with a screwdriver has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Darrell McLeish, of Widecombe Road, Mottingham, was charged with the murder of David Rodway following a fight in Bromley town centre on May 6.

Mr Rodway was discovered in East Street with a screwdriver embedded in his head.

The 29-year-old, of Ascot Road, Orpington, died at the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough, on May 8.

McLeish pleaded not guilty to murder after he was charged on May 17.

However on December 6, police revealed he would plead guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

McLeish appeared at the Old Bailey for sentencing on December 15 and received a hospital order under the Mental Health Act.

He will remain in a medium-security hospital indefinitely.

At a Bromley Magistrates' Court appearance in May, prosecutor Toyin Akinyemi described the screwdriver used to kill Mr Rodway as having a 9cm blade and a 7cm handle.

Ms Akinyemi told the court a search warrant relating to McLeish's address was issued on May 11 but he was not found.

She said: "On May 13, McLeish was stopped on his way back from France at Portsmouth ferry port, where checks revealed he was wanted.

"On arrest he stated he was expecting this and while in custody he asked a police officer how long would I have to serve before I go on parole for murder?'"

Ms Akinyemi also revealed McLeish had a conviction for inflicting actual bodily harm after punching a woman and stabbing her with a key.

He was also convicted of a public order offence after he threatened a man with a dining fork while in a pub.

The former data engineer had also been convicted of common assault after threatening a police officer with a knife.

Ms Akinyemi added: "McLeish is an exceptionally violent man who has used weapons in the past."

Robert Rye, appearing for McLeish, described his client as a "naive young boy".

Mr Rye said: "Up until his arrest, he was an employed and valued member of society."

During the course of the investigation into the killing, officers arrested several men.

Five were subsequently released without charge.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Horne, who took part in the investigation, said: "It was a horrific attack of undue violence and not what we want to see in our streets when people are out to enjoy themselves.

"Our thoughts are with David's family, who have provided support and assistance to the investigation throughout."

Mr Rodway's brother Lee said he was not pleased with the outcome of last week's sentencing.

The 25-year-old said: "I am not happy. The whole case was a bit weird for me.

"I'm not celebrating Christmas this year. It doesn't feel like a time I can celebrate."

  • A hospital order can be made by crown and magistrates' courts for offences which can be punished by a prison sentence. These can include manslaughter but not murder.
  • Evidence must be heard from two doctors saying the offender is suffering from a mental disorder making detention for medical treatment appropriate.
  • An order will take into account the past history of the offender and may be issued to protect the public from serious harm.