POLICE were called to help hospital staff remove a drunk from the premises.

Blackburn magistrates heard David Berry had been in and out of the Royal Blackburn Hospital causing problems for staff.

Berry, 51, of Birch Street, Bacup, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge.

Stacey Morrow, prosecuting, said Berry was shouting and swearing at hospital staff, and when police took him outside he turned on them.

“He was eventually arrested and continued to shout and swear while they waited for a secure van to take him to the police station,” said Miss Morrow.

A letter from the defendant’s solicitor, which was read to the court, said at the time of the offence he had been concerned about his health and had subsequently been diagnosed with fluid on his lungs.

“He knows his behaviour was unacceptable towards hospital staff and the police,” the letter added