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An inquiry is to be held into why Glaister Earl Butler, a mental health service user convicted last week of killing a policeman, was considered suitable for community-based care.

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust said Butler was being treated by an assertive outreach team when he stabbed detective constable Michael Swindells last year. Butler was found guilty of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Birmingham Crown Court.

Trust chief executive Sue Turner said an internal inquiry had been held off pending the outcome of the trial, in which Butler, who has paranoid schizophrenia, was charged with murder but found guilty of the lesser charge by a jury.

The court was told there was a five-year gap in Butler's medical records held by the trust, which has cared for him since 1995.

Psychiatrist Dr Thilak Ratnayake, who saw Butler four times in three years, was unaware his patient was not taking his medication, 15 months' supply of which was found stored in his flat after the killing.