A GROUP of drunks had to be removed from Blackburn Royal Infirmary because they were causing a nuisance to patients and preventing staff from doing their jobs, magistrates were told.

And Blackburn magistrates heard that Brett Parker, who had been drinking from the moment he got up, immediately walked down the middle of the road waving his arms at passing motorists.

Parker, 38, of Cherry Tree Lodge, Islington, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and failing to surrender to bail.

He was fined £100 with £40 costs.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Parker was a registered alcoholic who was waiting for a place in a Manchester rehabilitation unit.

"He admits that he had been drinking the night before and from the moment he woke on the day of the offence," said Mr Blacklidge.

"He accepts that what went on would have been very unpleasant for anyone at the hospital that lunch time."

Passing sentence District Judge Paul Firth said anyone making a nuisance at places like the infirmary could expect more severe penalties.

"You and your associates had to be removed to allow the hospital staff to get on with their work without interference from a bunch of drunks," he added.