A MAN has been detained for 12 years under a section 45a mental health order for attempting to murder his flatmate in Harlow.

Michael McFarlane, 60, of Halling Hill, Harlow, was found guilty of the attempted murder of a 52-year-old man at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 22.

He was jailed today, Monday, August 1 at the same court.

The victim was stabbed in the neck by McFarlane as he slept on the sofa in the early hours of May 19, 2014.

Bleeding heavily he made his way to a property in Pittman’s Field where he knew his other housemate was staying and called for help outside the property.

Investigating officer Dc Anne-Marie Pitcher said: “Both the victim and defendant were friends and had been for many years. The victim is even after two years still affected by the incident. Hopefully the sentence which includes the detention at hospital will allow Mr McFarlane’s condition to be treated where on his release he can then be rehabilitated in the local community.”