What is Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 and what happened to Aaron Lennon?
EVERTON and England star Aaron Lennon has been detained by cops under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.
Police said the 30-year-old winger is being treated for a "stress-related illness". But what is the act and what do we know about Section 136 specifically?
What is the Mental Health Act?
Originally introduced in 1983, the Mental Health Act gives police the power to detain an individual against their wishes if they fear the person needs mental healthcare or that they may be a risk to themselves or the public.
The action of invoking the Act is often informally known as "sectioning".
Covering England and Wales, it is overseen by the Care Quality Commission.
What is Section 136 of the Mental Health Act?
Section 136 of the Act gives police the power to remove a person of concern from a public place and take them to a place of safety.
The detained person is not arrested, but instead taken to a care centre - almost always to be examined by doctors at a mental health unit.
The patient can be held for 72 hours while doctors undertake checks and arrange for future treatment.
In some instances, a place of safety could be considered to be a friend or relative's home or a police station.
You cannot be taken from your own home under Section 136.
Why was Aaron Lennon detained under the Mental Health Act, Section 136?
Greater Manchester Police said they had detained footballer Lennon over concerns for his mental well-being.
The Everton midfielder, who has not played since February 11, was picked up by police on a busy road in Salford, close to the M602 on Sunday.
It is believed police officers approached the £4m former England midfielder, and negotiated with him for 20 minutes before taking him to hospital.
Lennon, who has 21 Three Lions caps, was detained roughly 30 minutes after his side lost 3-0 to Chelsea at Goodison.
His club said Lennon was "receiving care and treatment for a stress-related illness".
Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called at around 4.35pm to reports of a concern for the welfare of a man on Eccles Old Road.
"Officers attended and a 30-year-old man was detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act and was taken to hospital for assessment."
For help with mental health call the Samaritans free on 116 123
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