A UNIVERSITY graduate alleged to have tried to stab a policeman thought it was okay because the whole world was an alien computer simulation, a court heard.
Christopher Leyshon, 28, of Ashmead Road, Cinderford – thought the officers were computer graphics and not real and was deemed to be "very mentally ill" by a consultant psychiatrist.
He tried to jump out of a moving car because he thought his death was timed to coincide with the birth of his sister's baby and therefore he would be fine, defending barrister Ray Tulley said.
Gloucester Crown Court heard he also wanted to cut off the head of the family cat because he believed that cats knew what was going on and had control over events.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr John Sandford told a jury Leyshon suffered severe schizophrenia and lost contact with reality.
After preparing four separate reports on the defendant, who has a degree in computer design, he said, in answer to questions from Mr Tulley: "His illness involves suffering from psychosis – a loss of contact with reality.
"When the incident occurred he either did not know the nature or the quality of the act or if he did know he did not know that it was wrong.
"Regarding the defendant's use of cannabis even without the use of the drug there was a significant risk of him developing the symptoms of schizophrenia."
The court heard Leyshon started to develop strange and unusual ideas. He thought there was going to be an invasion of the body-snatchers, people could hear his thoughts and life was a computer simulation.
"His is a classic case of severe schizophrenia and has delusional ideas and acts on these delusional beliefs," said Dr Sandford. "He is very mentally ill."
Leyshon's mum Elaine Morgan called police to her home in Field Court Gardens, Quedgeley, because she feared her son might stab the family cat.
When officers arrived they tried to talk to Leyshon outside but he locked himself in the house.
But when he emerged he was holding a 12-inch kitchen knife above his head with both hands and he stabbed out at PC Dawkins, it was alleged.
The trial continues.
