A DRUNK who abused staff at Royal Blackburn Hospital was given a chance to tackle her alcohol habit – but ended up in court when she didn’t take it.

Burnley magistrates heard Diane Mansfield, 42, had been given a police caution after the outburst, on condition she attended Inspire, the drink and drugs service.

However, she failed to turn up and was brought to court over the hospital trouble.

Mansfield, of Melville Street, Burnley, has a record for being drunk and disorderly and although she has 42 offences on her record, has appeared in court for nothing else but drunkenness in the last four years.

The defendant admitted being drunk and disorderly on May 22 and was fined £55 with a £20 victim surcharge.

Aisha Akhtar, prosecuting, said ambulance staff had been concerned for Mansfield’s wellbeing.

The defendant was abusive to staff and security officers who were trying to deal with her, and police were called at 7pm.

Officers decided the most appropriate action was the conditional caution.

It was given on May 23 and an appointment was made for Mansfield to attend Inspire on May 28 over her substance misuse, but she didn’t go and didn't contact the service or the police.

Mark Williams, defending, said she had not committed any offences other than being drunk and disorderly since June 2010.

“The defendant, who lived with her partner, was on benefits. Unfortunately, she has a significant addiction to alcohol. She’s done her best not to have a drink today before she came to court. She was here last week, but wasn’t in a fit state.”

“She has no recollection of what took place at the hospital. She accepts it’s not good behaviour and it’s something she is embarrassed about.

“All she can do is plead guilty and apologise.”