A MAN who had attended Royal Blackburn Hospital after being stabbed caused problems for a doctor and a paramedic.

Blackburn magistrates heard James Hennessey eventually put his elbow through the window of a police van.

Hennessey, 43, of Griffin Close, Burnley, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a vehicle belonging to Lancashire Constabulary.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £500 compensation, £85 costs and a £26 victim surcharge.

Susheela Regala, prosecuting, said a paramedic got out of his vehicle after hearing Hennessey shouting at a doctor who had refused to charge his phone for him.

“He put his elbow through the rear window of a police van,” said Miss Regala.

“The officers, who were at the hospital in connection with another matter, came out and arrested him.”

Laura Heywood, defending, said her client had gone to hospital because he had been stabbed.

“He had spoken to the officers and asked for a lift home,” said Miss Heywood.

“They refused and he was frustrated. He smashed the window knowing he would be arrested and have somewhere to sleep that night.