A MAN ordered out of Royal Blackburn Hospital went on to racially abuse two members of the security staff and assault a third.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jamie Michael Smith was discharged after an incident involving a member of the medical team.

Smith, 43, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two charges of racially aggravated threatening behaviour and one of assault.

He was made subject to a community order for nine months with a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £50 compensation to each of the security officers, a £20 fine and £85 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said as he was being escorted out Smith asked to return to the ward to collect some drugs, which it seemed were illegal and not prescribed.

"His mood changed when he was told he couldn't go back," said Mr Robinson. "He got hold of one officer and they ended up falling to the floor. He made racial comments to the other officer and when a third arrived to help he made racial threats towards him. He calmed down instantly when a police officer arrived and handcuffed him."

Richard Prew, defending, said it had been a very distasteful sequence of events for those involved.

"They were just trying to do their job and he has no excuse for his behaviour," said Mr Prew.