A RESIDENT who went absent without leave from Kemple View psychiatric unit in Langho bumped into a member of staff outside a Whalley club the following night.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when support worker John Cowell used his mobile to check whether Kirk Stott should have been at large, the patient became agitated and abusive.

Stott, 20, who now lives in Rochdale, admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over in £100 for six months.

Neil White, prosecuting, said that as Mr Cowell left Rendezvous he saw Stott standing on the pavement.

"There is no suggestion that Stott was doing anything wrong at that stage," said Mr White. "When Mr Cowell rang to check if he should be there, Stott became agitated and aggressive. He told Mr Cowell he knew where he lived."

Mr White said that although Mr Cowell said in his statement that he was extremely frightened and distressed he had gone to work the following day on the same unit as Stott.

"It is that fact that persuaded the police that a bind over order was more appropriate than a charge of threatening behaviour," said Mr White.

Adrian Williams, defending, said Stott apologised for his behaviour.