A THUG with an “appalling record” of violence could be locked up in a mental hospital after he admitted carrying out a knife attack on a man and a woman.

Paul Jones, of Sycamore Grove, Southend, was arrested following an incident at his home on March 19.

Jones stabbed a 33-year-old man in the hand and left a 35-year-old woman with a cut to the head. Both were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

At the time, police described the male victim’s hand injury as “minor” and he was released from hospital the same day.

Although Jones was originally arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, he admitted two lesser charges of causing actual bodily harm at Basildon Crown Court.

The court heard the 39-year-old has a history of violence in Essex dating back to the Nineties - before he moved to the Midlands, where his offending continued. He recently moved back to Southend before the latest offence.

Judge David Owen-Jones said Jones has an “appalling record” and has served a prison sentence for grievous bodily harm with intent.

He said: “The most important is 20 months for a section 20 wounding, but it doesn’t stop there.

“There is ABH in 2007, threatening behaviour in 2013, further ABH in 2003, twice, wounding with intent in 1999.

“On the next occasion, whoever is dealing with this case should have an up-to-date analysis of the most recent offences.”

Mike Warren, mitigating, said he was aware of a psychiatric condition that causes “violent outbursts”.

He said: “Of course he is acutely aware that a custodial sentence is likely. “

Judge Owen-Jones said he would order a pre-sentence report from the probation service and may subsequently ask for a psychiatric report.

He said: “His condition is such that it may warrant a hospital order. He’s got a bad record of violence, there is no question about that at all. I think the question of dangerousness ought to be looked at.”

Addressing Jones, the judge said: “You will receive credit for your guilty plea in due course. I have read a psychiatric short court assessment report and I am satisfied that it is apparent that I should know more about you before I eventually sentence.”

Jones will appear at the court again on Thursday, May 25.