A man who was suspected of systematically cutting the wiring of elevators in his apartment block has been sentenced to 191 days in jail and treatment in a government psychiatric clinic.

The jail term corresponds to the number of days the man spent in custody, so he will be transferred to a clinic straightaway.

The man from the central town of Zeist was nicknamed "Jack the Snipper" by the media. He repeatedly cut the electric wiring in the thirteen-floor building last autumn and winter. Repair crews usually needed a week to restore the elevators to working order.

The 22-year old admitted to the court in Utrecht that he was damaging the control system of the elevators in order to attract attention. Doctors say he is suffering from a personality disorder and cannot be held fully acountable for his deeds.

(Stock photo)