FRANK Bruno's ex-wife Laura has visited him in a psychiatric hospital, where he is being held under the Mental Health Act.Other members of his family are thought to have been with her when she arrived at Goodmayes Hospital, Ilford, where the former world heavyweight boxing champion is being treated after being taken from his home by medics.
Police officers assisted in removing the father of three from his home near Brentwood, Essex, under the terms of mental health laws, a source said.
He was transferred into the care of a local mental health NHS trust.
The 41-year-old has gone through a painful and costly divorce from wife Laura.
It has been widely reported that he is battling depression and he is said to have previously received treatment at the Priory clinic in Chelmsford, Essex.
In a radio interview in early August, he launched an attack on the "mugs" and "creeps" he believed were trying to portray him in the same light as Mike Tyson.
He said then: "I've had a lot of people in my house, a lot of mugs and a lot of creeps, but I've had a lot of good people and I'll stick with the good people I know.
"It's jealousy and power and money. They're trying to turn me into the English Mike Tyson, but I'm not the English Mike Tyson, I'm the English Frank Bruno I always was."
He added: "I'm a prisoner in my own home. Just let me chill in my own home."
Bruno, who lifted the World Boxing Council crown when he outpointed Oliver McCall at Wembley Stadium in September 1995, has spoken recently of making a boxing comeback - despite the eye injury which appeared to have ended his career.
Former boxer Barry McGuigan told ITV News: "A lot of fighters need counselling when their careers are over.
"Frank fits into that category, knowing the sort of guy that he is, the sensitive soul that he is. I know that he needed counselling, I know he's been having counselling, but it's almost happened too late for him."
Get well soon Frank
― darren909, Tuesday, 23 September 2003 17:06 (twenty-two years ago)
I was appalled by the newspaper headlines about 'Bonkers Bruno' this morning. I just hope he doesn't ever get to see the press coverage regarding this breakdown he seems to be having - he needs care and support, not being ridiculed for having a mental illness.
The British public loved him when he was a winner, and we should give him twice the love now, know what I mean, 'Arry?
I hope he gets well again soon too.
― C J (C J), Tuesday, 23 September 2003 17:13 (twenty-two years ago)