Burnley patient attacked Blackburn nurse

Blackburn magistrates heard Ian Anthony Litherland approached the nurse from behind and refused to let go, despite her screams of protest.

And when security staff rushed to her assistance, Litherland shouted racist abuse at them.

Litherland, 47, of Hornby Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to assaulting Alison Pickford and using racially aggravated threatening behaviour.

He also pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly outside a doctor’s surgery in Arthur Street, Brierfield, in Church Street, Burnley, and St James Street, Burnley.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the victim of the assault was extremely upset.

Emma Morrissey, defending, said her client had mental health issues and had recently been sectioned after throwing himself off a bridge.