Suicidal knifeman bloodied office

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A knifeman who cut his wrists in Tory MP Sir Malcolm Rifkind's office has been found guilty of criminal damage.

Robert Corcoran, a self-described former Mensa member and top cyclist, slashed at his wrists and sprayed blood over Sir Malcolm's Chelsea office.

Blackfriars Crown Court heard he was trying to daub slogans on the walls with his blood when police arrived.

Corcoran, 43, was upset at being deported from the US for overstaying. He will be sentenced in six weeks.

'Very agitated'

The court had heard Corcoran had also tried to hack at his throat and cut his leg as Sir Malcolm's staff hid behind a door.

He had insisted the blood splashes caused from his protest did not amount to criminal damage.

My first response was the safety of myself and the staff Sir Malcolm's agent Jonathan Fraser-Howles

He said that if he was wrong he had not intended to cause any damage.

His arguments were rejected by the jury.

Judge Gregory Stone, QC, adjourned the case for a further six weeks for pre-sentence and psychiatric reports.

He said Corcoran should remain on bail but said he was not allowed to get in contact with Sir Malcolm, his staff, the Conservative Association or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Sir Malcolm's agent, Jonathan Fraser-Howles, said: "He was very agitated and when I opened the door he was slitting open his wrists.

"My first response was the safety of myself and the staff. I left the room and shut the door behind me. Then I moved to a safe area and called for assistance," he said.

The carpet and lino in Sir Malcolm's office had to be replaced because of the blood stain damage.