A DEAF, speech impaired man was arrested after abusing police and staff in sign language.

Blackburn magistrates heard how staff at Richardson House translated to police as Balraj Gill signed a torrent of abuse at the officers who had returned him to the hostel where he is living as a condition of probation.

Gill, 31, of Richardson House, Billinge Road, admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over in the sum of £50 to keep the peace for six months.

David Macro, prosecuting, said police received a call that Gill had gone missing from the home which was something that had happened before.

"The police seemed to know where to find him and went to the red light district of town," said Mr Macro. He was put in the van and taken back to Richardson House, where he was abusive to the officers and staff.

"He was making gestures in sign language which the staff were translating to the officers.

"It was explained to him that his behaviour was not acceptable but he simply carried on being abusive."

Sarah Perkins, defending, said Gill had been having problems at Richardson House for a number of months.

"He is clearly upset and frustrated by the treatment he feels he has been receiving," said Miss Perkins."

"He was blamed for something he said he had not done and he was refused permission to go out on a trip.

"He says that staff were abusive to him though he accepts that he was abusive towards them and the police."