AN upset patient suffering from mental health problems demanded a hospital bed from his consultant psychiatrist, then followed the doctor by car to Pershore, a court heard

Police were waiting for Darren Smith in Pershore after receiving a phone call from Dr John Doran.

Worcester magistrates were told yesterday that, on the morning of Thursday, July 25, Smith, a patient of Dr Doran, went to see him at Evesham Community Hospital without an appointment.

''Dr Doran saw the patient and tried to calm him down. He (Dr Doran) said no bed was currently available,'' said John Barnett, prosecuting.

''The defendant sat down on the floor then screamed 'You bastard'.''

Mr Barnett said Smith, aged 26, then kicked a nearby fire extinguisher before leaving.

He added that Smith rang the receptionist at the hospital at 12.20pm that day and said he was going to ''sort the doctor out.''

Dr Doran then spotted Smith, of Balmoral Close, Evesham, sitting in a car outside the building, so he drove towards Worcester to avoid him.

''The defendant followed the doctor in the car park 10 to 20 yards behind him,'' said Mr Barnett.

''At Broad Street, Pershore, the police were waiting, but the defendant, on seeing them, drove on.''

Mr Barnett said the police followed Smith, stopping and arresting him.

Dale Sheehan, defending, said his client had been suffering from mental health difficulties since the age of 16.

''He decided to go down to the hospital to see if he could be admitted to get the help he deserves,'' said Mr Sheehan.

''When no beds were available he became frustrated.

''He admits damage, but he does not admit following Dr Doran. He said it was a coincidence as he was going to a friend's in Pershore.

''He does apologise for his actions. He said he's going to certainly think before he acts in the future.''

Mr Sheehan said that Smith received incapacity benefit and lived with his mother.

A charge of threatening behaviour was withdrawn and Smith was bound over in the sum of £200 for 12 months.