A MAN who told hospital staff that he intended to "burn the hospital down" has been given a suspended prison sentence.
On February 21, Christopher David Trickett, of Preston Road, Lytham, threatened members of Blackpool Victoria Hospital staff, telling them that he planned to set fire to the hospital at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He was also charged with abusing members of hospital staff in the same incident. Trickett pleaded guilty to both offences.
Blackpool magistrates felt that the offence was so serious that he should be sentenced to prison for 16 weeks, suspended for 12 months - his guilty plea was taken into account when sentencing.
Trickett must comply with a supervision period of 12 months and attend 15 days of rehabilitation appointments.
He must also pay a £128 surcharge to victim services, to be paid in £10 weekly instalments.
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