A MAN attacked a fellow patient on the mental health ward at Royal Blackburn Hospital in a row over money.

Blackburn magistrates heard Christopher Varley punched the other man to the floor before kicking him in the head. Varley, 32, of Melville Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to assault. He was remanded on bail until November 10 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Jade Coleman, prosecuting, said police officers were dealing with another incident at the hospital, also involving the defendant, when they were told about the earlier assault.

Varley was a voluntary patient and the other man was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Colleen Dickinson-Jones, defending, said her client became upset because the other man was asking another patient for money.

“He said it was wrong and asked him to give the money back,” said Mrs Dickinson-Jones.

“My client accepts that when he refused to hand back the £20 note he lost his temper. He accepts he should have dealt with it in another way.”

Mrs Dickinson-Jones said her client was now living with his mother, his mental health had improved and he was due to start a new job.