A HOSPITAL receptionist who heard a bang looked out to see her car being rammed with a waste bin.

Blackburn magistrates heard Leon Harison had been discharged from the mental health ward at Royal Blackburn Hospital because of his abusive and aggressive behaviour.

And he went on the rampage outside after shouting that he had no money and nowhere to go.

Harrison, 24, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to causing £500 worth of damage to a car belonging to Catherine Eatough and damaging a car belonging to James McMahon.

He was ordered to pay £400 compensation to Miss Eatough and £150 to Mr McMahon.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the police had been generous in only charging him with criminal damage.

"They have taken into account his mental health problems and not charged him with any public order offences," said Miss Allan.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client had been without a proper address for about 12 months and had been sofa surfing in the Lancaster area.

"He had been in the mental health unit for about three days pending assessment," said MR Price. "He accepts that because of his behaviour on the ward they didn't get that far and he was asked to leave."