A DANGEROUS criminal who went on the run from a secure mental health unit held a Bournemouth doctor hostage for more than three hours.

Shane Cooper absconded from Ravenswood House near Fareham while awaiting sentence for an offence of false imprisonment.

He was spotted in Boscombe last Tuesday and eventually found in a Lancashire hospital at the weekend, six days after smashing his bedroom window and making his escape.

Police warned that the 34-year-old was dangerous and urged members of the public not to approach him.

Following his arrest on Saturday, Cooper appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday.

Prosecutor Frank Abbott recalled how Cooper had absconded nine days after appearing at Bournemouth Crown Court. He was convicted following a trial earlier this year.

Mr Abbott said: "He was being treated by a clinical psychologist who specialises in patients with brain injuries.

"When the doctor visited him on August 9, 2002, Mr Cooper became angry because no alternative accommodation had been found for him and the doctor did not have the relevant medication.

"He grabbed the doctor's notes and threw the file across the room, slamming the doctor against a wall.

"Mr Cooper tried to fight with the doctor. He kicked out at him and produced an ornamental Samurai sword, waving it around in a menacing manner.

"He kept the doctor there for three-and-a-half hours, refusing to let him leave. But eventually he gave the sword to the doctor and police officers came."

Defending Cooper, Robert Gray said: "He feels mentally unwell and hears constant voices in his head which won't go away."

Judge Wiggs remanded Cooper in custody until September 12 for medical reports.