Police find 'dangerous' mental patient

Police have found a  mental health patient they were seeking in the North Shore area.

North Shore police yesterday issued a public alert for the whereabouts of 35-year-old Scott Desmond Dickson who climbed a fence to flee the Taharoto Mental Health Unit in Takapuna about 9.30pm on Friday. They had warned he wsas dangerous and should not be approached.

But today they said he had been found by friends overnight and was returned to the Unit without incident


Dickson is a current patient at the unit.

Waitemata District Health Board said yesterday that Dickson was admitted to the intensive care area of the unit approximately two weeks ago displaying psychotic symptoms. 

On Friday night while in transit from the secure area of the unit to the open ward, Dickson scaled a wire fence and disappeared into the hospital grounds.

Police were immediately notified along with the community mental health crisis teams.

Dickson was described as a male caucasian, 190cm in height, of thin build, clean shaven, with brown eyes and shaved brown hair. He was wearing dark jeans, a dark top, white running shoes, a red bandana and a white cap.

North Shore police communications manager Kev Loughlin said yesterday that Dickson was last seen at his home address in Browns Bay, He arrived at his family home in a dark blue Daihatsu Charade, registration CLN 429, and then left on foot.

"Dickson is described as displaying psychotic symptoms," Mr Loughlin said at the time.

"Police advise that this man is dangerous and is not to be approached."

Anyone with information about Dickson or his whereabouts had been urged to contact Takapuna police.

- NZPA, HERALD ONLINE STAFF