A HOMELESS former psychiatric patient has admitted trying to kill another man in a stabbing attack at Torquay’s Central Library.

 Jonathan Simpson, aged 40, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Lee Howe at the library on Lymington Road, Torquay on February 13 this year.

 He appeared at Exeter Crown Court by video link from prison and was remanded in custody by Judge Simon Carr, who will sentence him on June 30 at Truro Crown Court.

 Simpson admitted the lesser offences of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and being in possession of a knife at the library at an earlier hearing. 

Mr Peter Coombe, defending, said Simpson has already been seen by a psychiatrist who has found him to be fit to plead. He said the same doctor will prepare a further report and will need access to medical records.

 He said Simpson has been homeless for ten years and there are records at Torbay Hospital, where he has been admitted as a psychiatric patient in the past.

Police cordoned off the area around the library, which is a landmark in the centre of Torquay, after the incident in three months ago.