Further investigations into the availability of a hospital bed are needed before a man can be sentenced for killing his grandmother.

Kyle David Edward Ellis, aged 26 and of New Hall Road in Ruabon, had previously admitted an offence of manslaughter following the death of Susan Hannaby last year.

At a hearing in June, it was decided that he had to be further assessed by a doctor in order to inform the court's way forward in terms of disposing of his case - whether by a period in custody, or a hospital order.

During a mention hearing on Friday this week, Mold Crown Court heard doctors instructed on behalf of the prosecution and defence were in agreement that the defendant needs treatment in hospital, but further checks need to be made as to the availability of a bed at a secure unit.

Duncan Bould, defending, said he expects to be able to submit a report compiled by a doctor acting on behalf of the defence in the coming week.

READ MORE: Man who admitted killing grandmother must be assessed by doctor before sentence

Describing a "nutshell view" of what is to be contained in the report, he told the court: "He (the doctor) saw Kyle Ellis on Wednesday, and he is described as 'psychotic.'

"In his view, he is deteriorating since he last saw him."

Michael Jones QC, prosecuting, suggested two courses of action - either to list the matter for sentence with the prosecution and defence doctors present to give evidence, or to ask for a report from a doctor at Ty Llewelyn, a secure unit based in North Wales, and request their attendance at the sentence to hear the "picture in the round".

Judge Rhys Rowlands said: "We are going in a circle here - the psychiatrist for the defence and for the prosecution, who have now seen the defendant more than once, are both of the view that he is in need of treatment at a hospital and his condition is now deteriorating, having returned to Berwyn.

"All the court needs to know is; is there a hospital somewhere with a bed which will take him, and is funding in place?

"This whole thing is really dragging on now, and it's no reflection on counsel or those who instruct you.

"I really do not understand what's happening here."

READ MORE: Wrexham man admits manslaughter following death of his grandmother

At the conclusion of the hearing Judge Rowlands invited a doctor from Ty Llewelyn to prepare a report as to the defendant's condition and treatment, as well as whether a bed is available for him there.

The Judge also directed the three doctors - on behalf of the prosecution, defence and Ty Llewelyn - to speak and prepare a short note with their areas of agreement and disagreement regarding the disposal of the case prior to the next mention hearing, which will be on September 16.

Judge Rowlands said he hopes the case can be fully concluded in October.

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