A MAN attacked a nurse's car with a brick after he was refused treatment at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Blackburn magistrates heard it was the third court appearance in five days for Martin Charles McMulkin who had previously put a large stone through the window of a police van parked outside the magistrates court on Northgate.

McMulkin, 47, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to causing £1,500-worth of damage to a car belonging to a nurse. He was committed in custody to Preston Crown Court to be sentenced after the court heard he was in breach of a suspended prison sentence imposed on June 5 for an offence of arson.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said following the arson conviction McMulkin had been given a conditional discharge for criminal damage to the police van. Three days later he was fined for being drunk and disorderly after police responded to reports of a man walking in front of cars on The Boulevard.

The latest offence was committed the following day. Security staff at Royal Blackburn Hospital were monitoring McMulkin on CCTV after he had been turned away from the hospital where he was seeking treatment for mental health issues.

“He was seen to climb over a fence and pick up a large block before climbing back over and throwing it repeatedly at a parked car,” said Mrs Yates.

Scott Parker, defending, said his client had significant mental health difficulties.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said behaviour of this type will not be tolerated.

Dr Neil Prater, clinical director for emergency medicine, said: “East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to responding appropriately to violent, aggressive and threatening behaviour.

“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and direct action taken to protect our staff, patients and visitors.

“A&E staff make every effort to treat all patients in a professional and courteous manner.

“However, this incident caused a good deal of distress, in particular to the member of staff whose car was badly damaged.

“Patients attending A&E who require mental health support are referred to the specialist Mental Health Liaison Team at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust.”