A 36-YEAR-OLD man ran off down a hospital corridor after being ordered to leave by staff and police.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when Joseph William Pownall was eventually detained in the main reception area he struggled violently, lashing out and kicking at officers.

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Pownall, of Lomax Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to causing a disturbance on NHS premises and resisting a police officer.

He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer, £150 criminal court charge, £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said medical staff had discharged Pownall but he refused to leave the hospital.

When he was told if he didn’t leave he would be arrested Pownall ran off down a corridor. He was later seen in the reception area and detained but managed to break free and again ran off.

“He eventually had to be taken to the ground and during the struggle that followed one officer injured her elbow,” said Miss Allan.

Scott Parker, defending, said Pownall suffered from a heart condition and had been in hospital overnight.

“He was upset when he was told to leave before seeing by a doctor,” said Mr Parker.