EVEN Wesley Leicester probably doesn't know if he is a fantasist or a budding dangerous offender.

His bizarre story unfolded before Warrington Crown Court last week.

The 18-year-old admitted kissing another man on the lips against his consent and was due to be sentenced for sexual assault.

After his arrest, he told probation staff and psychologists he plans to pose as a social worker to try to abduct children for their own safety, that he cross-dresses as a woman called Katy', that he starts fires, is capable of murder, carries knives, has attacked lone women and has downloaded child pornography.

At last Wednesday's court date, Leicester was recommended for an unlimited jail sentence to protect the public.

But after hours of debating the best course of action, he could now soon be released into the community.

Judge Stephen Clarke was concerned that Leicester simply fantasised about what he had done and that it had nearly led to him being locked away for years.

Leicester's actual criminal record includes taking cars without consent, a robbery at a Chinese takeaway and a common assault where he slapped a girl at Warrington Hospital.

The unlimited sentence, known as an IIP sentence, is normally used for habitually dangerous criminals.

But the probation report said Leicester's attitude and stories were so worrying he could be a serious risk to the public in the future.

Leicester was taken into care at 14, the court heard.

He lived for a time at a youth home and his last known address was Wilderspool Causeway.

The crime that led Leicester to the dock was strange.

At his flat, Leicester locked the door and told a boy he would be keeping him there forever', said Caroline Harris, for the prosecution.

Leicester slapped the boy several times, told him he didn't like gays and threatened to stab the boy as he cried, the court heard.

A charge of false imprisonment was dropped and Leicester admitted to police he had feelings for the boy.

Judge Clarke said Leicester knew how to play the system. He got himself moved from HMP Forest Bank in Manchester to HMP Altcourse by staging a dirty protest'.

Leicester was sectioned under the mental health act in October 2006 but there was no apparent mental illness.

David Ackerly, defending, said: "He seems to enjoy making things up to see people's reactions."

Judge Stephen Clarke said: "He needs psychological help more than anything. If left untreated, his problems might magnify themselves."

Sentencing was adjourned for four weeks until a psychologist could see if a package of accommodation, monitoring and assessment could be drawn up.

sbailey@guardiangrp.co.uk