A MAN has been jailed for burglary and two assaults, including one on his psychiatrist.

Michael Akerman, 36, of Southchurch Road, Southend, was sentenced to two years and five months when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Friday.

Akerman was being detained under the Mental Health Act at Basildon Hospital when he racially abused and threw a bottle at psychiatrist, Gaurish Gaunekar.

Akerman lashed out after being told he would not be allowed tomove into a less secure mental health unit.

The court also heard he attacked a friend at his shared accommodation in Westcliff by grabbing him by the neck after the friend checked Akerman was not using drugs.

The burglary happened at a house in Lonsdale Square, Southend, last September when Akerman crept up to a house to steal a woman’s handbag as she unloaded shopping from a car.

The woman and her partner chased him and held him until police arrived.

Akerman had pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing.

Judge Jonathan Black handed him 876 days for burglary and concurrent sentences of 180 days for the assault on the psychiatrist and 30 days for the common assault on Akerman’s pal.

Akerman was also ordered to pay a £120 victim surcharge.