A DRUNKEN man racially abused a hospital security officer who had been called to A and E by nursing staff.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Keith Mellor, 55, was eventually removed by police and as they placed him in a car he tried to headbutt one of them.

Mellor, of Maria Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to racially-aggravated threatening behaviour and police assault. The case was adjourned for preparation of a pre-sentence report with a warning that the starting point for sentence would be custody.

Scott Ainge, prosecuting, said Mellor was verbally abusive to staff while receiving treatment for a head injury. At one stage he pulled a line out of his arm and blood sprayed everywhere.

"He was verbally abusive to the staff and when a security guard called Mr Raul attended he was racially abusive," said Mr Ainge. "Other patients were clearly distressed by what was going on."

Kevin Preston, defending, said Mellor had considerable difficulties with alcohol and on the day of the incident had been drinking heavily.

"It seems he was the victim of an assault and had quite severe head injuries," said Mr Preston.

"His last recollection is sitting on a bench in Darwen.

"When he came round he was in Blackburn Royal Infirmary."