A MAN who had been treated at Royal Blackburn Hospital responded by stealing a mobile phone from an office and attacking a security guard who recovered the device and detained him.

Blackburn magistrates heard Dale Duberry went on to assault a police officer after his arrest.

Jailing him for 20 weeks magistrates said they were “deeply concerned” about his behaviour in hospital, a place dedicated to helping people.

“You abused the medical setting which is staffed by people who care about other people and work extremely hard,” the chairman said.

Duberry 30, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour towards Avaise All-Khan, burglary and theft of the mobile phone and assaulting a police officer. He was jailed for 20 weeks and ordered to pay £100 compensation each to the security guard and the police officer.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Duberry had been asked to leave following treatment.

“He refused and was later seen in the X-ray department,” said Mr Robinson. “He removed the phone from an office.”

Duberry went through some no-exit fire doors where the security officer recovered the phone.

“After it was retrieved he became violent and swearing on the hospital corridor,” said Mr Robinson. “The type of behaviour he displayed is of the lowest category but it is aggravated by the fact it was on hospital premises.”

After his arrest and interview Duberry was being placed in a cell when he struck out, hitting the officer in the face.

The court was told Duberry was due to be recalled on prison licence after failing to comply with supervision following his release from an eight-week sentence imposed in September.

Aftab Bakhat, defending, said his client was well aware he faced a custodial sentence and simply asked the magistrates to keep it as short as could be allowed.