A city man's extensive history of mental health issues raised concerns among court officials Wednesday, when the man was sentenced on a felony gun violation.

Butler County Judge Timothy McCune sentenced Brian P. O'Donnell, 24, of Federal Street to serve up to 3 years in state prison on one count of firearms not to be carried without a license.

The judge, who sentenced the defendant without a recommendation from prosecutors, said he fashioned the punishment in that manner because the defendant's mental health needs exceed what is available in the county jail.

McCune said he will recommend state prison officials put O'Donnell in a special treatment unit. However, the judge said, those types of placement decisions ultimately are made by prison officials.

According to court documents, O'Donnell was arrested May 18 after officials received an emergency call from the county's mental health crisis center. O'Donnell's mother reportedly made the call because her son was threatening to shoot himself if he did not find his cellular telephone.

When police caught up to O'Donnell, he had a loaded pistol in his pants' pocket, according to court records.

O'Donnell is not permitted to have weapons because of a felony conviction of aggravated assault in 2005.

During sentence court Wednesday, Deputy Attorney General Laurel Brandstetter, who prosecuted the case, told the judge that she had concerns about the defendant based on a report from Mayview State Hospital.

Brandstetter said the hospital noted O'Donnell had a significant dual diagnosis, but she did not name the mental illnesses he suffers. Generally, a dual diagnosis implies an addiction and a mental health issue.

Brandstetter said O'Donnell has a history of noncompliance with his treatment, and she feared that if he were released into the community, he again would stop taking his medication.

O'Donnell's defense attorney Rick Bosco said his client recognizes his need for intensive mental health treatment.

In addition to the prison sentence of 18 to 36 months, O'Donnell was ordered to spend 4 years on state probation. He must pay a $100 fine.

And the judge decided O'Donnell is no longer permitted to own a firearm or live in a home where firearms are present.