A MAN who threatened to kill a hospital staff nurse with a claw hammer has had his sentence adjourned.

Ex-convict Paul Smith, 49, said he was mentally ill, wanted to harm himself and demanded to see a psychiatrist when he turned up at the accident and emergency department at Burnley General Hospital, the town's crown court heard.

The victim, nurse 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.

The defendant, of Cedar Street, Burnley, had earlier admitted affray and possessing offensive weapons. Sentence was adjourned and he was bailed by Recorder John Rawkins until Thursday, April 8.

He has been ordered to attend drug and alcohol counselling and to stay away from Miss Turner.

The incident, on October 19, prompted calls for a major review of security at the hospital.

Smith had previously served prison sentences of six and two years for arson.