A GARDENER who created a rumpus in a hospital casualty department was fined by magistrates -- who told him to count himself lucky.

Burnley magistrates heard how Michael Exton, 25, had threatened the staff at the hospital's accident and emergency department with violence and refused to leave.

He ended up being arrested after he was abusive to police and kept trying to go back to the hospital.

Exton, of Waterbarn Street, Burnley, admitted being drunk and disorderly and failing to surrender and was fined £50, with £55 costs.

He offended while subject to a conditional discharge and the bench told him they would allow the order to run.

Elizabeth Reed, prosecuting, said police were called to the casualty department shortly after 9pm on May 2.

Exton, who appeared drunk, was making threats and when officers arrived, he seemed unsteady on his feet.

He was asked to leave, walked half way up the road, turned around and then went back towards the police. Exton told the officers they could not stop him if he wanted to go in the casualty department.

Mrs Reed said Exton was taken hold of and turned round but walked back again. He was arrested after he started the threaten the officers and was abusive.

Exton was stopped and searched and police found a small bottle of what Exton indicated was methadone on him.

The prosecutor told the court the defendant, who had previous convictions, including one for robbery, said he was sorry to the officers.

She added there was 'zero tolerance' in relation to such behaviour in hospital departments where people were carrying out their duties.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Exton apologised to staff members. He claimed he was manhandled up the hill from the casualty department. That was why he became upset and struggled with police officers.