A DRUNK caused a midnight rumpus as ambulance staff turned up to treat his girlfriend after she slit her wrists.

Magistrates heard how Christoper Dunn, 39, tried to stop medics from taking her to hospital. He then kicked out at police as he was being arrested, attempted to butt a police officer but was restrained and handcuffed.

Dunn, said to have a drink problem, was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order to include alcohol counselling. He must also pay £100 compensation and £70 costs.

The defendant, now care of Lancaster Avenue, Helmshore, admitted two counts of police assault and police obstruction.

Teresa Feeley, prosecuting, told Burnley magistrates that police were called to Holden Mill Caravan Site, Haslingden, where the defendant was then living. A woman had slit her wrists, said she didn't want to go to hospital and medics were trying to get her into the ambulance.

Dunn refused to allow her to go and was aggressive and swore. He was given "umpteen chances" to calm down before he was eventually put in the police vehicle.

David Connor, defending, said the offences were motivated by alcohol. Dunn did not intentionally set out to assault the police but was lashing out.

Dunn had been confused. He had been drinking for most of the day and wasn't sure whether he wanted his partner to go to hospital.