A MAN who was racially abusive towards a police officer while receiving treatment at hospital has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison.

Bradley Goulding, 24, of Windermere Avenue, Burnley, was also handed a fine for the incident at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

A police spokesman said Goulding was also shouting abuse at other patients.

The spokesman said: "This sends a good strong message that police officers will not tolerate verbal abuse and strong sentences will be given by the courts as evidenced here."