A patient who repeatedly banged his head against a hospital wall and refused to leave when staff asked him to had drunk a litre of vodka, a court heard.

But when he appeared before magistrates, Alan Turner, 46, who formerly lived at Vulcan's Lane, Workington, apologised profusely for his behaviour and assured the court that he is trying to beat his drink problem.

Turner pleaded guilty to causing a disturbance at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven on April 8 and refusing to leave.

John Moran, prosecuting at Carlisle's Rickergate Magistrates' Court, said that on April 8 a porter at the hospital spotted the defendant sitting down, with his top off, and repeatedly banging his head against a wall.

"The defendant was told by another member of staff to leave as he was causing a disturbance to other patients,” said Mr Moran.

"He refused. He said that he was diabetic and that he wanted food. He was asked again to leave and again refused to do so. He was later found slumped outside against a wall of one of the outbuildings.

"He'd been sick on his T-shirt, and was again refusing to leave."

Mr Moran said the defendant, who is currently in jail for breaching a restraining order, clearly did not at that stage need medical treatment but he confirmed that he had drunk a litre of vodka before going to the hospital to ask for treatment. “He blamed his drinking,” added the lawyer.

Mr Moran added: “He needs to stop this type of behaviour.”

Addressing the court via a video link, Turner said: “I wish to apologise.

“I am getting help with my alcohol issue. I'm off alcohol now and when I get out I intend to stay off it and get help.”

He said he was due for release in two weeks, and he planned to seek help from the Unity drug and alcohol service.

Deputy District Judge Roger Lowe imposed a fine of £80, with a £30 surcharge. As the case came to an end, Turner again stressed how sorry he was, saying: “Can I just apologise once again,” he said.