A TEENAGER who raped his 93-year-old great-grandmother before strangling her to death has been detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act.

Jamie Limbrick was given a 12-week interim hospital order after being assessed by a team of psychiatrists.

The 19-year-old, of no fixed abode, had admitted the rape and manslaughter of Marjorie Davis, on the grounds of diminished responsibility, at an earlier court hearing.

Mr Justice Owen, sitting at Bristol Crown Court, heard Limbrick carried out the attack before a fire engulfed his victim's home at Alford's Farm, Upleadon, in the early hours of September 3, 2003.

DNA tests linked Limbrick to the crime, the court heard.

Patrick Harrington, prosecuting, said Limbrick started the fire and later used his great-grandmother's bank cards to withdraw cash. The defendant, who had been living in an outbuilding at Alford's Farm, denied arson and theft.

Mr Harrington said Limbrick, described as a fantasist, had experienced a troubled childhood and had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

He visited friends in Ross-on-Wye and may have watched a disturbing television programme before returning to the farm, where he watched a pornographic film before carrying out the attack.

Nigel Hamilton, defending, said Limbrick admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and rape, but denied the other five counts dealing with the fire, theft of money and the card.

"The arrangement was reached that the remaining five counts would be withdrawn," he said.

Mr Justice Owen said the interim hospital order would allow further assessment of Limbrick's condition.