A MAN who attacked his mother and kicked a doctor in a hospital casualty department turned violent because he could not control his mood swings, a court heard.

Christopher Hart, 30, was being treated in the accident and emergency department of Harrogate District Hospital when he kicked Dr James Fair in the stomach. The attack came after he had been told he had a personality disorder rather than a mental illness and needed to take responsibility for his actions.

Three weeks earlier, Hart had attacked his mother at her home in Manor Road, Knaresborough.

When Hart pleaded guilty to two counts of assault, he also admitted being in breach of a conditional discharge imposed for an earlier attack and a criminal damage offence.

His solicitor, Richard Buchanan, told Harrogate magistrates that the hospital's mental health unit had decided there was nothing it could do for him and suggested he go on an anger management course.

''He commits offences because he can't help it,'' said Mr Buchanan. ''He has mood swings which manifest themselves by shouting and screaming in the street. He hit his mother, not because he wanted to do it, but because he couldn't help himself.''

Court chairman David Gravells called for probation and medical reports and warned Hart that all sentencing options, including prison, will be considered.

Hart, after spending time in bed and breakfast accommodation in Harrogate, is now living with his brother in High Street, Knaresborough,

He was granted conditional bail and the case was adjourned until April 14.