A JUDGE has refused to deal with a Blackburn man – accused of brandishing a 12-inch hunting knife at the town’s hospital – after he allegedly turned up at court after downing a bottle of wine.

Christopher Waring, 36, was awaiting sentence at Preston Crown Court on charges of possessing a bladed article in a public place and possession of the drug spice.

His court appearance followed his arrest on November 24 last year for an incident at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

But Waring, of Bramwell House, Heaton Street, Blackburn, became embroiled in an argument with a dock officer as he surrendered to his bail.

He was remanded in custody by Judge Mark Brown, Recorder of Preston, until lunchtime.

Judge Brown said he had been told that Waring had drank a bottle of wine, on his arrival at court, and he was concerned about sentencing a defendant in that state.

Andrew Hughes, defending, said he had wanted to see the case adjourned, in any event, because of his client’s mental health problems, which had evidently manifested themselves again.

The judge said he would not agree to an adjournment for that reason but would be prepared to reassess the situation once Mr Hughes had seen the defendant in custody.

Waring was remanded in custody to be sentenced on Friday.