A MAN being treated at Blackburn Royal Infirmary threw a trolley across a corridor as he waited in a treatment room.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Carl Houghton had gone to hospital because of a suspected drug overdose and had little recollection of the incident.

Houghton, 38, of Kay Street, Darwen pleaded guilty to criminal damage. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £65 costs.

David Hartley, prosecuting, said a nursing sister was walking along the corridor in the early hours of the morning when she heard a loud bang. She then saw Houghton throw the trolley, which had contained dressings and medical equipment, across the corridor against a wall. He was detained by security staff until police arrived.

Elliot Taylforth, defending, said Houghton is an alcoholic but had managed to stay on the wagon since May 15. "For someone with his background that is a minor miracle," said Mr Taylforth. "On this occasion a family argument was the trigger for him to hit the bottle again.

"He had not taken drink for a considerable time and that, combined with a large quantity of prescribed medication, caused the problem. In fact he had gone to accident and emergency to be treated for a possible overdose."

Mr Taylforth said Houghton had absolutely no recollection of the incident but accepted everything the prosecution said. "He specifically asks me to apologise to the hospital staff," said Mr Taylforth. "He understands the concern behaviour like this causes and that they are public servants simply trying to carry out their duty."