A man who attacked staff at Macclesfield Hospital who were trying to help him has been warned he could face jail.

Jonathan Keith Markey, 43, punched a porter and security guard during a visit to the hospital on October 2.

Doctors had asked Markey to wait at the Accident and Emergency ward for the results of some blood tests but he became agitated and tried to leave, the court heard.

Security guard Carl Witham and porter David Saunders intervened but were attacked.

At Stockport magistrates’ court Markey, of Hobson Street, Macclesfield, admitted two charges of assault by beating.

Markey was bailed to appear on November 7 and was warned custody was an option magistrates were considering.

Gill Hodges, chair of the bench of magistrates, said: “We treat it very seriously when people go around punching hospital staff.”

Eileen Rogers, prosecuting, said: “The defendant entered Macclesfield Hospital to get treatment for himself.

“The case involves the assault of two members of staff.

“On October at 1.30am Carl Witham was working in security in the A&E department.

“He was sat with the defendant who appeared very intoxicated. He was becoming agitated and started to leave.

“The doctors had asked him to stay at the hospital for the results for blood tests. The security guard tried to calm the defendant down. He said: “I am going to knock you out.

“At this point he booted the door. A hospital porter, David Sanders, came to assist. The defendant then punched him in the nose.

“Mr Witham then tried to restrain him but was punched in the ear. He then managed to restrain him in a cubicle.

“After he was arrested the defendant told police he had drank about eight cans of high strength lager. He described himself 10 out of 10 drunk.

“He wanted to leave the hospital but for this own safety they weren’t letting him leave.

“The staff should not have been subjected to that sort of abuse when they were just trying to help.”

The court heard that Markey has 23 convictions for 43 offences, including assault.

Saskia Abbot, defending, said: “He knows his behaviour was not acceptable and apologises.

“He doesn’t recall why he was at the hospital, just that he wanted to get out.”