A DRUNKEN man who was causing trouble at Royal Blackburn Hospital head butted a police officer who was arresting him.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Stephen Duerden announced what he was going to do before striking the officer.

Duerden, 42, of Islington House, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer, being dunk and disorderly and possession of a bag of Spice. He was made subject to a community order for six months with a drug rehabilitation requirement and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said Duerden was already subject to a community order imposed for an assault on a ward sister at the hospital.

He had become abusive when he was refused admission to the hospital and the police were called.

“He said he wanted to go into the hospital to talk to someone about his mental health,” said Mrs Yates. “The officers offered to take him home but he said he was going back into the hospital to “split their heads open.”

He was arrested and as he was being taken to the van said; “Hang on I am just going to head but this xxxx” which he did.

Duerden later told police he had drunk 10 pints and was feeling low.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client had difficulties but was trying to make progress.

“He is engaging with Inspire and the mental health services and is taking all the help he can get,” said Mr Price.