A MAN acting "strangely" at Royal Blackburn Hospital at 2am was asked to leave by security staff.

Blackburn magistrates heard Thomas Peter Wilton responded with abuse and foul language, despite the presence of a woman with her sick child.

Wilton, 29, of West View Terrace, Padiham, pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance on NHS premises and stealing washing products worth £49 from Tesco Express, Casterton Street, Burnley. He was ordered to pay £49 compensation to Tesco and £50 to the security guard.

Saq Azim, prosecuting, said Wilton was approached by a member of the hospital security team who asked him to leave because of Covid restrictions.

He showed him a free phone to call a taxi but when he was told it would be two hours Wilton became abusive over the phone.

"He was asked to moderate his language because there was a woman with her child next to him," said Mr Azim. "He was asked to leave but demanded to know who was going to make him."

Mr Azim said a second security officer arrived and they managed to get Wilton outside the hospital.

"He said he would come back and kill the security guard but the police arrived and arrested him," said Mr Azim.

The shoplifting offence had been committed in the company of a female.

Wilton had selected various items before leaving without making any attempt to pay.

"A member of the public tried to detain him but he made his escape," said Mr Azim.

"The female, who was the defendant's cousin, was later arrested and she identified him as being responsible. She said she did not know what he was going to do when they entered the shop."

Richard Prew, defending, said drink was the problem for his client.

He said Wilton had come to Blackburn to see a friend and for reasons he couldn't explain ended up at the hospital.

"He is engaging with the probation service to try to sort out his alcohol issues," said Mr Prew.