A MAN returned to Blackburn hospital within hours of being dealt with in court for being drunk and disorderly at the medical facility.

Blackburn magistrates heard Christopher Costello was again drunk and this time was arrested and charged with causing nuisance on NHS premises.

Costello, 57, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the offence. He was fined £50 which was set against the night he had spent in the cells.

Deputy District Judge Michael Hopkinson agreed to impose a criminal behaviour order which prohibits Costello from attending any NHS premises unless seeking medical attention or to keep an appointment and he must comply with direction of NHS staff if they want him to leave.

“If you return to the hospital in circumstances similar to those we have heard about you will be in breach of the order and could face custody,” said Deputy District Judge Hopkinson.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Costello appeared in court on Tuesday for being drunk and disorderly at the hospital. He had been shouting abuse at members of staff, including the consultant who was trying to treat him.

“Within hours of leaving court he was back at the hospital causing a nuisance,” said Miss Allan.

David Lawson, defending, said his client had a long-standing alcohol problem and both offences had been committed in drink.

“He had been involved in an altercation at the hospital the day before and he went back, in drink, looking for the same person,” said Mr Lawson. “The Crimina Behaviour Order seems entirely reasonable and he has to accept that he can’t behave in this way.”