AN ambulance was damaged by a drunken man who also abused the two paramedics on board.

Jason Lee Simpson, 27, was arrested by police following the incident in Flint last week.

The case at Flintshire Magistrates court in Mold was adjourned by District Judge Andrew Shaw who said he wanted to know if the damage caused meant the ambulance had to be taken out of commission.

In the meantime, Simpson could also be assessed to see if he was suitable for a possible alcohol course after Brian Cross, defending, said he had had an alcohol problem for 10 years.

Simpson, of Earl Street, Flint, admitted damaging fixtures and fittings in the ambulance parked near Mecca Bingo in Flint and was bailed to be sentenced this week.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, said the ambulance had been called to treat an injured man in the street, who turned out to be Simpson.

He was initially unco-operative but eventually agreed to receive treatment but then was verbally abusive and got into a rage.

He started to punch metal cabinets, pulled at fixtures and fittings, including an electric cable.

In addition to causing damage to the ambulance he made threats towards the two crew members.

They told him to get out and he was arrested by police who were at the scene.

Mr Cross said his client admitted punching cabinets, pulling a storage box off the wall and pulling a cable out of a fan.

He said he would not expect the ambulance to have been put out of service because of that.

It was the first time in 10 years that his client demonstrated he wanted help with his drink problem.

Judge Shaw said Simpson was a prolific offender with an active criminal record, and at the time of the offence had only been out of custody for about three weeks