Alcoholic jailed for Blackburn hospital ban breach
5:00pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News
Andrew Hooson
A 38-YEAR-OLD man who repeatedly breaches an Anti-Social Behaviour Order banning him from Royal Blackburn Hospital has been jailed again.
Blackburn magistrates heard drunken Andrew Hooson was caught stealing sandwiches meant for patients on the wards and became abusive and aggressive when challenged by a security officer.
The court was told that Hooson had no support in his struggle against alcohol.
Hooson, of Brookhouse Lane, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to breach of an ASBO by not leaving the hospital when requested by a member of staff. He was jailed for eight weeks.
Claire Grant, prosecuting, said Hooson was prohibited from entering the hospital except in specific circumstances and from remaining there when asked to leave.
Security were contacted on Saturday by canteen staff who said Hooson was stealing sandwiches from trolleys.
“He was found with his pockets stuffed with food, he was intoxicated and he was asked to leave,” said Mrs Grant. She said Hooson had been jailed in January for a similar breach of the ASBO and the latest offence was his seventh breach.
Ian Huggan, defending, said since his release from prison Hooson had struggled for accommodation.
“Just recently we have seen Paul Gascoine struggle to cope with his alcohol problem,” said Mr Huggan. “He has the support of people who are very wealthy and has been sent to America for treatment. Mr Hooson doesn’t have that support and he has had to struggle and try to cope with his problems alone.”
