POLICE who were asked to return a man to hospital because he was suspected of having taken a potentially fatal overdose ended up arresting him.

Blackburn magistrates heard Andrew Forrest had walked out of Accident and Emergency at Royal Blackburn against the wishes of staff.

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But after he was returned he became abusive and made racist comments to a member of the security staff as he was being placed in the back of a police van.

Forrest, 44, of Florence Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour. He was fined £130 with £105 costs.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Forrest was shouting and swearing in the emergency department and at one stage head butted a wall.

Mark Williams, defending, said Forrest had been drinking with friends and had been told his girfriend had been cheating on him.

"He had taken all his prescription medication in one go and his friends took him to hospital," said Mr Williams. "When he walked out the hospital staff were concerned and asked the police to go and find him. They took him back for his own safety, potentially to save his life."

Mr Williams said the racist abuse was shouted at a member of security staff who didn't actually hear it.