A resident at a mental health facility attacked a member of staff because she wouldn't switch a light off, a court has been told.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard how Katie Powell ran at the support worker and scratched her face, pulled her hair and then punched her in the face at Calderstones Hospital in Whalley on February 3.

The court was told the victim managed to escape before other members of staff came onto the ward to assist.

Powell, 27, of the Mitton Road facility, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker.

She was ordered to pay £100 compensation following the hearing on Thursday, June 30.

Shannon Stewart, prosecuting, said Powell had asked for the light to be switched off but that wasn't possible because it was required by other people.

"Following the incident the defendant did go and apologise to the victim," said Miss Stewart.

In mitigation, Roger Taylor said his client had admitted the offence, apologised for it and said she wouldn't do it again.

"She had become stressed during the evening because of a light that was distressing her," said Mr Taylor.

"She doesn't have the filters the rest of us may enjoy in a similar situation."