An excluded college student who turned up on campus wearing a mask and armed with three knives has been sent to a mental health hospital indefinitely.

Angry Alison Hills, 34, threatened staff with the blades after she was kicked off an animal care course at Canterbury College, in New Dover Road.

She stormed into the college car park and pulled a large kitchen knife from her waistband when confronted by campus security.

"She was surrounded by four security officers and was jabbing the knife she was holding towards them..." - prosecutor Ian Foinette

Canterbury Crown Court heard she jabbed the blade at the security officers, having previously threatened to burn down the college.

Hills, of Hill Crescent, Aylesham, appeared for sentencing after admitting possessing a knife, sending an offensive communication and affray.

Ian Foinette, prosecuting, said she had enrolled to study animal care at the college last October but been excluded and refused permission to return.

On November 15, staff member Sharon Clarke received two calls from Hills. The first time she asked: "Are you Emma Bunton?" The second time she said: "I have got your children here, do you want to come and get them?"

Another call had been received from Hills by Lucy Shipton, threatening to burn down the college.

Two security officers, on alert about Hills, recognised her in the college car park the following morning, with a mask over her face and carrying a knife.

The prosector said: "She was surrounded by four security officers and was jabbing the knife she was holding towards them."

She put down the knife and was restrained by police, who found the two smaller knives hidden in her socks.

Hills said she went to the college to speak to staff about re-enrolling on the course.

She said she bought the mask and knives from Poundland shortly before going to the college, but said she would not have used them.

Hills also admitted making the telephone calls, but said she would not have carried out her threats.

The court was told Hills has a history of offending, including possessing an offensive weapon, sending offensive material via telephone and using threatening words and behaviour.

She had five matters outstanding at the magistrates' court.

Judge Heather Norton said psychiatrists' reports showed Hills was suffering from a mental disorder, intellectual disability and a significant personality disorder.

Alistair Keith, defending, said Hills would appreciate any help the court could give.

The judge made a Section 37 hospital order under the Mental Health Act, admitting Hills to mental health facility Cedar House in Barham.