AN Iranian asylum seeker arrested after cars and businesses were attacked in Burnley has appeared in court.

But the case against 24-year-old Hussein Jafari was adjourned for a week because a medical report has not been completed.

Burnley Magistrates Court was told yesterday that only one report on the mental state of Jafari has been compiled, but two are required.

Jafari, who was arrested in Daneshouse on March 12, is charged with two counts of affray, assaulting a police officer in the execution of his duty and charges of criminal damage.

Solicitors acting on behalf of Jafari asked for their client to be bailed to Burnley General Hospital.

But the court heard that as no beds were available Jafari was to be sent back to Preston Prison and the case adjourned for another week.

Basil Dearing, representing Jafari, said: "It appears that Preston Prison has known for weeks and weeks and weeks that reports were required from two medical practitioners.

"It is clear to me that this young man has been languishing in prison whilst his mental health condition has been monitored.

"But not a great deal of what the court wanted to be done has been done.

"It is clear we need a medical report that should be prepared for Burnley General Hospital and if he is in Preston Prison it would have to be prepared by them.

"Given Preston Prison's record it won't be prepared by anyone.

"I am concerned that this young man is festering in prison and while there he gets bored and bizarre behaviour kicks in."

Joanne Shahzada for the Crown Prosecution Service said: "His condition has been monitored but unfortunately the report does not come to any conclusion."

Mr Dearing added: "I am reluctantly accepting that he has to go back to Preston Prison for a week."