A MIDDLE-AGED man threatened to kill a hospital staff nurse with a claw hammer and large bread knife he had hidden under his jacket, a court heard.

Burnley Crown Court were told how ex-convict Paul Smith, 49, said he was mentally ill, wanted to harm himself and demanded to see a psychiatrist.

Victim Naomi Turner continued to offer help to Smith even though the defendant carried on threatening her.

Smith, who had been on a birthday night out, claimed he was hearing voices and his behaviour was said to be a cry for help.

Smith, of Cedar Street, Burnley, had earlier admitted affray and possessing offensive weapons and had been committed for sentence by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Magistrates. Sentence was adjourned and he was bailed by Recorder John Rawkins.

Joanna Rodrikis, prosecuting, told the court at 10.20pm last October 19 the defendant attended Burnley General Hospital, spoke to Miss Turner and was taken into the triage room.

Smith told her he had a mental illness, wanted to harm himself and was going to kill her.

He had his right hand in his jacket.

The defendant, told he would have to see a doctor, said he would kill the nurse if he did not see a psychiatrist.