A HOSPITAL bed is not yet available for a mentally ill burglar who medics say needs treatment.

Dean Mortimer is still in the hospital wing at Preston Prison where he has been for some time but a judge wants to send him to Calderstones Hospital, Whalley.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Mortimer, 31, of Rusking Avenue, Colne, had been for assessment at another medical unit

Calderstones has written to the court to say a bed was not yet available but Judge Raymond Bennett said he would be sending a letter to the Area Health Authority asking them to make arrangements.