A thug who boasted of maiming and slaying animals and threatened a killing spree is facing prison after his lawyer told a sheriff that being in jail gave him an insight in what it meant to be human.
During a hospital visit, Jordan Mitchell boasted that he had "killed and mutilated animals on a number of occasions", Falkirk Sheriff Court was told.
Mitchell, 25, had a lock knife with him when he made the remarks, at the Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Stirlingshire.
He went on to say that he "intended to murder members of the public in future".
Appearing at court by video link from Low Moss Prison, Mitchell, of Denny, Stirlingshire, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour.
He also admitted having the knife in the hospital A&E department without lawful excuse.
The incident happened on October 5th 2021.
He also admitted assaulting a fellow patient at the hospital - not causing any actual injury - by kicking him, in a separate incident 10 days later.
Solicitor-advocate Stephen Biggam, defending, said Mitchell had been in Low Moss waiting for the court hearing.
He said: "During the time he's been in custody I've seen a transformation for the better.
"Being in prison has forced him to be with other people.
"The human condition that he's discovered there has given him a new perspective - that what he thought all people were isn't necessarily true.
"He's found that some of the prison population are like himself at times rather sad, but not usually very bad.
"It's given him a new insight into what the human condition is, for himself and other people.
"He appreciates he runs the risk of being sent to custody for a long time."
Sheriff Christopher Shead deferred sentence until June 23rd, and rejected an application for bail.
He said: "The court will order a psychiatric report to evaluate whether Mr Mitchell's articulated ideas have any substance, and to assess what risk he may pose to the community -- which may on his own account be a grave one -- upon his eventual release."
The Crown will narrate the full facts of the case at the sentencing hearing.
