Paranoid schizophrenic banned from bookies

A paranoid schizophrenic has been banned from betting shops after a bookies melee in which he assaulted a man.

Paul Anthony Bamber was caught after he went to the police station claiming he was the victim, but CCTV showed he struck the first blow. It was suggested Bamber had picked up a brick during the trouble, although he didn’t use it, Burnley magistrates heard.

The hearing was told when the defendant was then arrested, he hit a police officer in the face.

The defendant (25), of Wesley Street, Brierfield, admitted police assault, resisting police and assault by beating at Nelson on March 13th. He was bailed until April 14th for a pre-sentence report on condition he does not enter any licensed book makers.

Prosecutor Mrs Alex Mann said Bamber claimed to the police he was the victim in the trouble, but in interview, he accepted he struck the other man as well.

Mr Ben Leech (defending) said there had been bickering and name calling between the parties in the betting shop, the defendant pushed the complainant backwards and a fight ensued.