A WOMAN battling alcohol addiction was arrested at Royal Blackburn Hospital where she was causing a disturbance in the accident and emergency unit.

Blackburn magistrates heard that less than two weeks later Tracey Thompson was arrested at her home address after police responded to reports she was threatening to jump from a bedroom window.

Thompson, 50, of Burnley Road, Colne, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly at the hospital and admitted a breach of the peace at her home address. She was fined £40 with £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge and bound over in £50 to keep the peace for six months.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said on both occasions Thompson was described as being highly intoxicated.

Duncan Nightingale, defending, said his client had been struggling with alcohol abuse issues for four years. She had been in recovery while in supported accommodation but relapsed after she was thought capable of looking after herself and found her own place.

"It is fair to say she is struggling to cope on her own," said Mr Nightingale.