A schizophrenic who threw a petrol bomb at a frien

A schizophrenic who threw a petrol bomb at a friend’s home was locked away in mental hospital today after telling doctors he would commit arson again.

Mothiroj Sangiha, 29, was spotted by a pal’s sister as he hurled the homemade missile at the family’s east London home, the Old Bailey heard.

The bomb exploded in flames near the house but luckily did not set the house on fire.

Police raced to the scene and found Sangiha was also carrying two knives.

Sangiha denied the attack but calmly told police he would firebomb the house again if he was released.

Alison Robins, prosecuting, told the court Miss Jahni Ramalingham was at home at the family house in Shakespeare Crescent, Manor Park, when Sangiha struck on February 9 this year.

The witness looked out of a window and spotted the defendant, who was a friend of her brothers, launching the firebomb attack.

She then heard a loud bang before seeing flames and a cloud of thick smoke, said Miss Robins.

Officers detained Sangiha nearby – and found a lock knife and a Stanley knife on him.

In interview Sangiha told police he heard voices in his head.

He denied the offence, ‘but said if he was released he would firebomb the house,’ said Miss Robins.

‘In effect what he had thrown through at the property was a petrol bomb, a bottle with a fuse and a accelerant inside.

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Sangiha, of (107) Hoe Street, Walthamstow, admitted arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered and two counts of possessing a bladed article.

Psychiatrist Dr Andrew Forrester said Sangiha is suffering from mental illness – and currently poses a risk of re-offending.

‘It is extremely likely that it is schizophrenia.

He quite clearly needs admission to hospital for treatment,’ said Dr Forrester.

‘He has indicated he would try and do the same thing again when set at large.

‘My opinion is that he should be considered a high risk of such future activity.

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Ordering Sangiha to be detained indefinitely at Camlet Lodge, Chase Field Farm Hospital, Enfield, Judge Kenneth Machin QC told him: ‘I make this order having regard to the gravity of the offence and the evidence of Dr Forrester that there is a high risk of you committing other offences, and in particular arson.

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‘Accordingly it is necessary for the protection of the public from serious harm that I make such an order.

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Sangiba was detained under sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act

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