A man who launched a savage attack on his former drinking buddy has been detained in hospital indefinitely.

Thomas Simmonds, 22, pulled the hood of Anthony Murphy's top over his head and struck him with a bottle in a Whitehaven street on August 21.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how witnesses saw Mr Murphy fall. Then, as he lay on the ground, Simmonds was seen to stamp on him several times.

Mr Murphy suffered injuries to his thumb and forearm.

Simmonds was sentenced today having admitted a charge of wounding with intent to cause his victim grievous bodily harm.

Judge Peter Davies heard the defendant suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, and needed medical treatment.

As a result, Judge Davies imposed an indefinite hospital order on Simmonds, previously of Calder Avenue, Whitehaven.