A MENTAL health patient assaulted a nurse after drinking half a bottle of vodka, a court heard yesterday.

The attack came after Jason Brown was told he would be discharged from Darlington Memorial Hospital's psychiatric unit last week.

Magistrates at Newton Aycliffe were told how Brown, of Pease West, Billyrow, Crook, had suffered mental illness after having to leave the Army due to a serious injury.

Graham Hunsley, for Brown, said: "This young man had a promising career in the Army. But, having made excellent progress, he suffered a serious injury to his leg in South Georgia."

The court heard the 33-year-old was discharged from the Army on medical grounds and has had seven operations on his leg.

Mr Hunsley said Brown suffered physical and emotional problems and was admitted to Pierremont Unit as an outpatient in May. On July 5 he was told he would be discharged.

Magistrates heard that Brown went out and drank half a bottle of vodka before coming back to the unit and assaulting clinical head Alan Jones.

Barry Smith, prosecuting, said: "Mr Brown grabbed hold of Mr Jones by the throat for about 30 seconds.

"During the struggle Mr Jones somehow fell to the ground and a large locker fell on him causing injury to his back."

Mr Smith also told magistrates how Brown punched one window and broke another by throwing a chair through it.

Brown pleaded guilty to one charge of assault and another of criminal damage.

Magistrates gave him a 12-month conditional discharge. He must pay £50 compensation and £34 costs.