A MAN who went to A&E three times in less than 24 hours and 'spat' at a nurse is suffering with his mental health after the death of his partner, a court heard last week.

Sean Persaud, of Madeira Road in Bournemouth, was admitted to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital on several occasions between 8am on January 19 and 12.30am the following day.

He had scratches on his wrist, none of which required stitches or further treatment, it was heard.

Richard Withey, prosecuting at Poole Magistrates' Court, said Persaud, 58, began "swearing" loudly during the last admission in the early hours of the morning.

"He was intoxicated. Members of staff told him to stop swearing," Mr Withey said.

"He ignored their requests and continued.

"A senior sister told him to stop his behaviour. He told her to '**** off'."

The defendant then fell into a nurse's trolley, Mr Withey said.

"It is clear other patients were concerned. Some were shocked, alarmed and distressed," the prosecutor said.

"Security officers were called. The defendant was ushered into a side room, where he was shouting and swearing and behaving aggressively towards staff."

Persaud refused to stay in the side room and went back out into the main A&E, where he was seen spitting, the court heard. As a result, police were called.

The defendant admitted causing a nuisance or disturbance to a NHS staff member.

He said he had become unwell after the death of his partner of six years. He has recently been an inpatient at St Ann's Hospital in Poole, it was heard.

Persaud told magistrates: "I can't really believe I did it."

He was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and told to pay a £20 surcharge and £30 costs.