A DRUNK who caused a disturbance in a hospital accident and emergency department claimed he could not recall what he had done.

But William Griffiths, 62, apologised for what he had done and was ashamed.

Griffiths of Nant y Coed in Holywell, appeared in North East Wales Magistrates Court where he admitted breaching his criminal behaviour order and assaulting a police officer.

Griffiths told the Mold court: “I do apologise. I am deeply, deeply sorry.”

Magistrates said they were glad he was ashamed of his behaviour because they were shocked by it.

He had put patients and hospital staff at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan at risk and valuable resources had been wasted on him.

Griffiths received a three month prison sentence, suspended for a year.

He was placed on 20 days rehabilitation, ordered to pay £75 compensation to the police officer, with £85 costs and a £115 surcharge.

Prosecutor Justin Espie said police were called to an incident on Wednesday when a man was said to be jumping in front of traffic.

When they arrived they found him in a vehicle and another person was struggling to control him.

He was extremely intoxicated, immediately became aggressive and shouted at police and was arrested.

In St Asaph custody suite he had chest pains and was taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital where there were a number of elderly people and children.

In a fit of aggression shouted and punched a door.

Nurses and patients including children were clearly alarmed.

A police officer present was due to leave and Griffiths went to shake his hand – but then squeezed it hard causing pain and called him an abusive name.

Rebecca Boswell, defending, said her client was ashamed and embarrassed.

He had been at home and tried to get help for chest pains but had been unable to do so.

Griffiths left his home and had little recollection of what then occurred.

Ms Boswell said her client had been a functioning alcoholic who had been out of trouble but following the break-up of a relationship he had struggled.

He knew his actions were not acceptable, she said.