THE sentencing of Bridport knifeman Ian Andrew Ruby was delayed again today at Dorchester Crown Court.

Ruby, 19, formerly of Court Close, Bridport, was told at the court that he will be transferred to Broadmoor Hospital for further assessment before being sentenced.

Ruby had previously admitted three charges of wounding with intent and possessing a knife and a machete after attacking three girls as they got off a bus in Bridport.

Judge John Harrow placed Ruby under an interim hospital order after hearing medical consultants believe he has Asperger's Syndrome and potential psychopathic disorders.

Judge Harrow said: "Because of your psychiatric condition, or potential psychiatric condition, you will shortly be moved to Broadmoor Hospital as soon as a place is available for you."

The delay came after a previous date for sentencing was also put back.

Unemployed Ruby launched his knife attack as he and three girls got off a bus in East Street on August 23 last year.

He plunged his knife into Charlotte Teague's chest and abdomen, puncturing her lung, and stabbed Kirsty Edwards, 17, in her back and stomach and Sophie Hyne, 15, in the face and upper body.

The girls were seriously hurt and helped by passers-by before being rushed to Dorset County Hospital for treatment.

A nationwide manhunt was launched, and Ruby was caught three days later after going to a hospital in Surrey with a cut to his finger, sustained during the attack.

Police found him carrying a holdall containing a machete, balaclava, nylon temporary handcuffs, tape and a selection of knives.

Charlotte Teague's mother Michelle has spoken of her family's frustration after the sentencing was delayed.

Ms Teague said the constant delays in the case - which has already been adjourned for psychiatric reports - were taking their toll on Charlotte.

"We're really frustrated," she said. "There have been so many delays when it has been adjourned to find out what's wrong with him.

"We have to keep going back over it all again, and Charlotte cannot get closure."

Ms Teague, 39, said her daughter, now 15, is very wary and selective about which men she will be around.

"She doesn't like anyone hugging her or anything like that because Ruby grabbed hold of her, put his arm around her, before he attacked her," she said.

"The delays aren't helping her. She came today to get closure, hear him being sentenced and know that he is off the streets.

"But nothing has been settled so it's just frustrating waiting. We just have to get through it."