A YOUTH whose "bizarre" behaviour initially prompted a judge to call for medical reports has been sent to a probation hostel for assessment.

Burnley Crown Court had heard how Mark Bateman, 21, who had started to drink after his mother died two years ago, had demanded a teenager's trainers, reduced a schoolgirl to tears by asking for her coat and had been pleasant one minute and aggressive the next.

Bateman, who told the boy he would kill him or break his legs if he "grassed" on him, told police he would not hurt a fly and had had differences with the boy's licencee father.

The defendant, of Pearl Street, Accrington, was sent to Highfield House hostel for four weeks by Judge Raymond Bennett, who had described his behaviour as "bizarre." The judge, who said it was not a good time of year for somebody with a drink problem to be put on "the market," told Bateman he must abide by the hostel's rules and not drink alcohol on or off the premises.

Bateman had admitted two counts of theft, handling stolen goods and affray.

Sara Dodd, defending, said Bateman had been remanded in custody and had been sober for some months. There was a place available for him for assessment at a bail hostel.

Miss Dodd added the defendant could be returned to the pleasant young man prepared to work for his living, that he was before the death of his mother.

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