Leeds students threatened by masked man carrying metal bar when he forced his way into their accommodation during 'psychotic episode'

Leigham Richards carried out the offence at the property in Hyde Park as he was suffering a "psychotic episode."

Leeds Crown Court heard the offence took place at Victoria Court Mews on February 1 this year.

Adam Keenaghan, prosecuting, said Richards forced entry to the accomodation at 6pm and two students were alerted by the noise.

The 29-year-old was holding a metal bar and was wearing a balaclava, dark clothing and had his face covered by a bandana.

He confronted the students and shouted threats as he waved the weapon.

Mr Keenaghan said Richards began asking the students why they had been watching him and forced them to go downstairs with him.

The prosecutor said: "He said this was his city and accused them of stealing his wi-fi and conspiring to break into his home."

Richards then left and police were contacted.

Officers found Richards in a nearby car park.

He refused to drop the metal bar and swore at officers before throwing the weapon against a wall.

The occupants of the student accommodation later noticed that damage had been caused to the doors of some of the flats.

Richards was interviewed and claimed he was being harassed by the students.

He said his e-mails had been hacked and that they had been "controlling his TV".

The defendant said he had taken the metal bar from an old bed in his home.