A FATHER of two created a rumpus in an ambulance on the motorway as it took him to hospital.

Burnley Magistrates heard how drunken Craig Haworth-Hynes, 31, was sick and then tipped the bowl on the floor, lashed out at paramedics and threatened them.

The ambulanceman at the wheel had to stop the vehicle on the M65 and called the police after the defendant struck him in the chest and was abusive.

Haworth-Hynes was not represented but personally said he was sorry for his behaviour in a short statement to the court which he had prepared.

He said: "I would just like to apologise for my stupid behaviour. It was an isolated incident and won't happen again."

The defendant, of Federation Street, Barnoldswick, had admitted threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. He was given a 12 months conditional discharge, with £65 costs.

Tom Snape, prosecuting, said just after midnight, paramedics were called to Barnoldswick Conservative Club after reports of a male being unresponsive.

Two ambulance staff attended and found the defendant in the gents' toilets, asleep in a cubicle.

They were able to wake him, but he was extremely drunk and they decided to take him to hospital. Haworth-Hynes was put in the ambulance but ignored requests for his personal details.

One of the paramedics could see the defendant was going to be sick so he was given a bowl. He then tipped the contents on the floor and started to take off his safety belt.

Mr Snape said by this time the ambulance was on the motorway and Haworth-Hynes began to lash out with his arms and legs.

Driver Philip White was concerned about the fact the vehicle was on the motorway, pulled over and parked. He went into the back and spoke to Haworth-Hynes.

The defendant continued to lash out and caught Mr White in the chest at least once. Police were called as he carried on being abusive. Mr Snape said officers could see Haworth-Hynes getting out of the ambulance in an agitated state. He was told to calm down, swore at the police and tried to walk away.

Officers managed to get hold of him and the defendant threatened the paramedics as they did do. He was arrested and taken to the police station.