A 31-YEAR-OLD man assaulted two paramedics in the back of an ambulance when they tried to take him to hospital.

Blackburn magistrates heard Andrew John Cowburn grabbed Annie Heggarty by the wrists and pinned her against the back door of the vehicle.

And when her colleague came to assist Cowburn tried to bite him.

Cowburn, of Parker Street, Rishton, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault.

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He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a 30 rehabilitation activity requirement, a curfew for four weeks between 7pm and 7am and ordered to pay £75 compensation to each paramedic, £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Passing sentence the chairman of the magistrates said it had been an attack on two people doing their public duty and trying to help Cowburn.

"The fact they were not injured after a prolonged period of difficulties is more by good fortune than anything else," she added.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the ambulance attended a report of a collapsed male in Haworth Street, Rishton, at 12.15am Cowburn was cold to the touch as if he had been outside for a long time.

"He was drunk but at first he was pleasant," said Miss Allan. "As soon as Miss Heggarty closed the door of the ambulance he changed and demanded to be let out."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Cowburn was heavily in drink and it was the closing of the ambulance doors which had triggered a response.

"He is extremely remorseful for what he did," said Mr Taylor. "The victims were trying to do their job and he has made it extremely unpleasant for them."